Ruth Ann Brown

Ruth Ann Brown, of Parma, Michigan, passed away on June 1, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born the daughter of Orville and Zorri Mae (Cole) Hughes on February 28, 1947 in Royalton, Kentucky. On April 18, 1965, she married Jesse H. Brown, and he survives.  

Ruth loved the Lord and her family above everything. She liked to cook, bake, travel, and her favorite color was purple.

In addition to her husband, Jesse, she is survived by her children, Tony (Yvonne Norris) Brown, Craig (Crystal) Brown, Michelle (Darren) Weeks, and Kim (Randy) Case; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings, Pearl Sparks, Thelma Smith, Kathy (Lionel) Bailey, and Jody (Steve) Poe. In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her brother, Paul Hughes, and her sister, Cinda Patrick.

A funeral service will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Vince Bridge officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge. A dinner at the Church of Christ in Stockbridge will follow the burial.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 6-8 p.m. and on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Ramo James

Ramo James, age 74, of Chelsea, MI, passed away Memorial Day 2022 at his home. Ramo was born on August 11, 1947 in Detroit, MI. His parents were Cedric and Kathleen Hatmaker. He graduated from Brighton High School and attended Washtenaw Community College taking writing, photography, music, and voice classes.

He was drafted into the Army’s 9th Infantry Division Artillery in 1966. He was stationed at Fort Ord, deployed to Vietnam in 1967 and discharged in 1968.

He began playing guitar as a teen, influenced by his Uncle Harold Hatmaker. He played lead and rhythm guitar in various bands, among others: The Cohort, Broadcasters, Doo Wop Band. It was a rare occasion to find him without a guitar in his hands or without a pencil jotting down song lyrics and guitar notations.

He worked at A2 Recording Studio in Ann Arbor as a recording technician, at Music Mart in Ann Arbor as a guitar teacher, at the Chelsea Standard newspaper developing photographs for the paper, at Wonderland Music in Dearborn as a guitar teacher/repairman, and at Koontz Guitar Repair in Ferndale.

He was a Detroit Tigers and an ever hopeful Detroit Lions fan.

On September 15, 1989, he married Margaret Elaine Doub in Toledo, Ohio, and she survives. Also surviving are his cousin, Barbara (Louie) Burr, his goddaughter, Sydney Schmitter (Cassily), many friends and bandmates, his horses, and ‘too many’ cats, especially Mr. Black.

Military funeral honors and burial will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta Township on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to: KatSnips.org, HappyHeartsFelineRescue.org, Lymphoma.org (to fund research into Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma), FischerHouse, or Meals on Wheels through the Chelsea Senior Center.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Brent M. Bell

Brent Michael Bell, age 49, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his home on Sunday, May 29, 2022.

Brent was born on April 27, 1973 in Marquette, MI to Stephen Burton Bell, Sr. and Lynda Lee (Shaw) Bell. He graduated from Dexter High School, Class of 1991. He married Stephanie Ann (Norris) in Dexter, MI on September 7, 1996.

Brent worked in the masonry industry for 20+ years. In the last eight years he worked as a project manager for A&R Total Construction. Brent was a loyal and hard-working man during his years.

Brent was a devoted father and a coach of his kids sports teams. He enjoyed traveling to Florida with friends during spring break for baseball. In his free time, Brent enjoyed being on the golf course and hunting with his boys.

Brent is known for his bear hugs, his kind eyes, and his ability to make people smile and laugh.

In addition to his wife of 25 years, Stephanie, he is survived by three children, his daughter Madison, and his twin sons, Griffin and Gavin, his four brothers, Steve, Bill, Burt, and Don Bell, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, his beloved uncles, Roger Bell and Tony Bell, and his grandparents.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will take place at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, June 3, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Chelsea Baseball or Boys and Girls Basketball Programs via the Chelsea Athletic Boosters.

Richard L. Ciminelli

Richard Lee Ciminelli, age 70, of Taylor, MI, passed away on May 27, 2022 at his home.

Richard was born on December 22, 1951, the son of Carl and Alberta (Heselschwerdt) Ciminelli.

Richard had lived in Taylor for the past two years, moving from the Novi area. He loved to tinker and could fix anything from a vintage car to a pocket watch. He loved fishing and cracking jokes and was an avid gym enthusiast. The only thing he loved more than body building was his family.

He married MaryLee A. Blackwell on January 15, 1988, and she survives. He is also survived by his children, Sharon (Kris) Scates of Sparta, Rachel (David) Kunzelman of Pinckney, Jeanette (Eric) Ciminelli of Webberville, Raymond Ciminelli of Jackson, and their mother, Sally Chase of Whitmore Lake; Nikki (Chris) Demetsenare of Flint, Caila (Joshua) Blackwell of North Carolina, Emily (Justin) Baldridge of Harrison Twp., and Brian (Jamie) Ciminelli of Ft. Wayne, IN; 14 grandchildren, one great-grandchild (and one on the way); three siblings, Dwayne Giminelli of Fowlerville, Carl Michael (Debbie) Ciminelli of Fowlerville, and Debbie (Demetri) Fakitsas of Greece.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Joseph and Tommy, and infant sister, Sharon.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 3, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, MI, with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, June 2, 2022 from 4-8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Kimberly A. "Kimmy" Johnson

Kimberly Ann “Kimmy” Johnson, age 40, passed away at her home in Jackson, MI surrounded by her loved ones on May 28, 2022. She was born on October 6, 1981 to John and Becky (Snay) Johnson.

Her personality filled the room, and she loved everyone with her whole heart. Kimmy was the life of the party, and though her journey with us was not a long time, it was definitely a great time. She lived every moment to the fullest and was unapologetically herself. Kimmy had a huge heart and would do anything for her family and friends. Her love was unconditional and will live on through all that knew her.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her dad, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Kimmy is survived by her mom, Becky Duncan; her siblings: Jenny (Ted) Stone, Larry (Kaylee) Winnie Jr., Kelly (Jereme) Burnett, her most beloved nieces and nephews, and all of her friends.

Funeral arrangements are through Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 31, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral will be Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with a graveside service and luncheon afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kimmy’s memory can be made to the family or to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America.

Bradley E. Smith

Bradley E. Smith, age 62, of Chelsea, MI, passed away at his home on Saturday, May 28, 2022.

Brad was born on August 19, 1959 in Ann Arbor, MI to Murray E. "Gene" and Gertrude E. (Wente) Smith. He graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1978. He married Julie Ann (Ernst) in Ann Arbor, MI on October 26, 1985.

Brad loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed collecting stuff, especially decoys and fishing lures. He enjoyed cooking, whether it was barbeque, brisket, or smoking fish. He also enjoyed spending time on the water and boating in Frankfort, MI. Brad worked in construction and finish carpentry for 20+ years, and then in the 1990’s he joined his father’s company, Pinnacle Engineering in Manchester, MI.

In addition to his wife, Julie, he is survived by two children, Cory (Sam) Smith of Tecumseh, and Trevor Smith of Westland, two grandchildren, Emersyn Grace and Logan Marie. He was preceded in death by his sister, Leslie M. Smith-Figg, and his parents, Gene and Gertrude Smith.

A funeral service will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, June 2, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home with Rev. Eric Stricklin officiating. Burial will follow at North Lake Cemetery in Dexter Township, MI.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., also on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Edward M. "Ted" Lane

Age 82, passed away on January 18, 2022. He was born August 10, 1939 in Ann Arbor, MI to Edward M. and Ivy M. (Barnes) Lane.

Ted is survived by his wife, Elaine, to whom he was married on August 25, 1978, his son, Jeffrey and Leslie Lane of Grass Lake, MI, and his daughter, Diana Dawn Heaphy and Michael Heaphy of Lima, OH; Elaine’s sons, Tim and Shannon Latimer of Verona, WI and Scott and Nancy Latimer of Brighton, MI; grandchildren, Olivia and Louisa Latimer of Verona, WI and Ellianna and Oliver Latimer of Brighton, MI; as well as his sister, Carol Loukotka of Gregory, MI.

Ted grew up in Ann Arbor, attending the old Eberbach school, Tappan and Slauson Junior High, and Ann Arbor High School.

He entered the U.S. Army in August 1956, graduating from heavy armor training in Fort Knox, KY as a tank driver. He served in Korea with the 24th and 1st cavalry division. When he returned to the United States he was stationed at Fort Devens, MA.

Upon discharge from military service, Ted began a rewarding career in the appliance service industry which spanned five decades. Initially employed by Home Appliance Mart, Ted formed his own company on January 1, 1981. He enjoyed his work very much, considering his customers as his friends. He had an inquisitive mind which made “fixing things” fun for him. He did retire, but after a few months he couldn't idle and worked part time at Heydlauff's Appliances “fixing things.”

Ted enjoyed time spent at North Lake at their cottage, not just in summer but anytime.

From an early age Ted was fascinated by machines and cars, especially those that went fast. A long awaited Corvette on his 60th birthday attested to that - he called the Vette, his greatest material possession.

Ted wasn’t one who liked to “dress up,” jeans and a graphic tee shirt were his “Sunday best.”

Ted was proud of his family, his home, the cottage, cars and trucks, but mostly he was proud of his life in America and his military service to his country.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, 290 Turnpike Rd., Suite 5-135, Westborough, MA, or any animal rescue group charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Mary Catherine Thorrez-Wheeler

Mary Catherine Thorrez-Wheeler, age 65, of Jackson, MI, passed away at the Southwest Hospice in Cincinnati, Ohio after a battle with cancer.

Mary Cay, daughter of God and Blessed Virgin Mary, tried to live a life that pleased and saved souls, so to live in Eternal Life forever and ever with her mother and father, Phyllis and Henry Thorrez, and all her siblings, children, family and friends.

She is survived by her 11 children and 25 grandchildren: Herbert “Burt”; Trevor, his wife, Jenna, and children Damien, Trason, Kiara, Leila, and Alena; Andrea, her husband, Jacob, and children Caylee, DeAnna, Aidan, Gavin, and Gabriella; Phyllis, her husband, William, and children Giuliana, Giada, and Giorgio; Thomas; Quentin; Paul and his wife, Jessica; Bernadette, her husband, Paul, and children Lucas, Landen, Abrielle, and Evangeline; Spencer, his wife, Amanda, and children Lily, Felicity, and Madeleine; Dominic; and Patrick, his wife, Taylor, and children Vivian, Gemma, Harrison, Eleanor, and Theodore; and brothers, Camiel and Jeoffrey Thorrez.

She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Donald “DJ”; daughter, Katrina; brother, Thomas; sisters, Diana, Sandra, Candace, and Theresa; nephew, Luke; and niece’s , Saren and Veronica.

Mary Cay was a devout Catholic, and she spent most of her life raising her many children and teaching them about the importance of their faith. She volunteered, traveled, and strove to help her children through their formative and adolescent years. During her later years she lived as a hermit, spending her time focused on prayer and specifically praying for the conversion of sinners while offering-up any discomfort to better attain God’s goal for her.

Mary Cay was always finding saints or other prominent members of the church and writing down memorable quotes or important lines from their works. One quote from her son, DJ, is a fitting reminder for us to keep hope, “It will all work out in the end.”

A public Catholic service will occur on Saturday, May 28, 2022, 10:00 a.m., at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Jackson, MI.

Scott F. Mills

Scott Frederick Mills, age 54, of Ann Arbor, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI, passed away on January 19, 2022 at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, MI. He was born on June 12, 1967 in Ann Arbor, MI to Frederick and Vonetta “Neta” (Harr) Mills.

Scott grew up in Chelsea and graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1985. He later graduated from Eastern Michigan University. Scott worked in the digital marketing and advertising field. He loved spending time with family and friends, as well as time outdoors. He enjoyed music of all kinds and was a concert enthusiast. He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed U of M football.

Scott is survived by his mother, Neta Mills of Chelsea, brother, Vaughn (Joanne) Mills of Chelsea, his loving companion, Ida Faye Webster, and her son, Lucius; as well as three nephews, Matthew, Mitchell, and Nathan Mills. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Mills in 2014.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Robin Hills Farm, 20390 M-52, Chelsea, on Sunday, June 12, 2022 from 12-4 p.m. with a brief service at 1:00 p.m.

Those wishing to make a contribution in Scott’s memory may do so to the American Cancer Society or the Chelsea Education Foundation.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Cheryl Ann Richard

Click here to watch her service

Cheryl Ann (White) Richard passed away surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 after a long illness. Cheryl was born in Bedford, England, and was the eldest daughter of Charles and Pauline (Moran) White. She was raised in Ann Arbor, MI and attended local public and Catholic schools.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 28 years, Craig Richard of Chelsea, MI and her two cherished daughters, Sandra (Michael) Harvey of Texas, and Toni Wilson of Jackson, MI. She is also survived by her loving sister, Leone White, her beloved granddaughter, Leann (Stephen) Wanty-Glass, and her adored great-grandson, Bowen Glass, along with the entire Richard family.

Cheryl worked for many years as an administrative assistant for the Ann Arbor Bank and Trust Co. She later worked for Lane Animal Hospital in Chelsea, MI. After she retired from Lane’s, Cheryl became a volunteer at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospital in Jackson, MI.

She had a lifelong love of animals, especially horses, and enjoyed many years of training and riding her horses. She enjoyed the local 4-H Club fairs and horse shows with her daughters and traveling to Arabian horse shows around the country.

Cheryl loved music, dancing, the outdoors and nature, and planting and caring for her gardens. She also enjoyed traveling.

No words will ever be enough to describe what a lovely person Cheryl was and she will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, May 20, 2022 from 5-8 p.m. A graveside service will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh presiding. Facial coverings by choice.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley or Therapeutic Riding Inc.