James M. Cornils

James M. Cornils of Dexter passed away on July 6th, 2022, at Arbor Hospice in Saline. He was 88. Jim was born on January 7th, 1934, in Sioux City, IA, the only son of William and Mabel (Lighthall) Cornils.

Jim attended East High School in Sioux City where he excelled in sports, notably gymnastics and track. After graduating in 1952, he briefly attended the University of Minnesota to study engineering and ROTC. Teaching was his true passion and he returned to Sioux City and earned his bachelor’s degree and teaching certification from Morningside College. During that time, he met Mary Alys Reiff, who was attending nursing college there.

Mary and Jim married on July 6th, 1956, and they began building their family of six children. Jim’s passion for educational excellence led him to teaching opportunities in Iowa, Nebraska and finally to Michigan in the fall of 1966. Not only did Jim teach math in the Ann Arbor Public Schools until his 1995 retirement, he also taught at Washtenaw Community College and the prisons in Milan and Ypsilanti. During his tenure, he co-authored a math textbook and earned a master’s degree in Mathematics from Eastern Michigan University. After he retired from teaching, he worked for Hosmer-Muehlig Funeral Home for another 10 years.

Although Jim was known as an entertaining storyteller and avid card player, he and Mary were also well-traveled, going to Europe, China, Mexico, Canada, and all over the USA. They visited over 40 state capitals and perhaps twice as many college football stadiums. Jim loved to sit and visit with family, friends and strangers, and his many years of delivering Meals on Wheels was the perfect way for him to serve others while enjoying good conversation.

Jim joined Mary in her Catholic Faith journey in 1986. As a result, Jim became very faith centered, often initiating prayer and reflection. He was known as being ecumenical, appreciating other Christian faiths and traditions. Jim loved his family more than anything. He was a devoted husband, a generous, wise and hard-working father, and a very proud grandpa.

Jim is survived by five children: James, Jr. of Dexter, Allison Edwards of Ann Arbor, Peter (Pauline) Cornils of Battle Creek, Patrick (Leslie Robles) of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, and Steven (Rebecca Biederman) of Portland, OR. Jim had five grandchildren, Alex (Adrian Griffin) Edwards of Lakewood, OH, Tristan Edwards of Alamo, NV, Camille Cornils (Toby Bove) of Chicago, Miles Cornils of Battle Creek, and Daniel Cornils of Portland.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Mary, daughter Carol Frances Cornils, two sisters, Connie Andersen and Nancee Luebbert, his stepfather Lloyd Savage, his son-in-law Terry Edwards, and his parents.

Jim’s family will receive friends at the Dexter St. Joseph Country Church (6805 Mast Rd.) from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, August 18th. Immediately following visitation, the Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed with Fr. Brendan Walsh presiding. After Mass, the Knights of Columbus will host a luncheon at the Dexter K of C Hall (8265 Dexter-Chelsea Rd). Memorial contributions may be made to either St. Joseph Catholic Church (3430 Dover St, Dexter), the Dexter Knights of Columbus, or the Encore Musical Theater (Dexter).

Expressions of sympathy may be made on www.mitchellfuneral.com.

Mary K. Kill

Mary K. Kill, of Grass Lake, Michigan, passed away at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital on August 12, 2022.

She was born the daughter of Harry and Helen (Lutz) Hoffman on December 5, 1945 in Stockbridge, MI. She was married to Jerry Kill on June 25, 1973, and he preceded her in death in 2016. Mary loved doing hair and did it from the time she was out of high school until 2018 when she retired.

Mary enjoyed gardening, sewing, canning, and making silk flower arrangements. She enjoyed traveling and going to restaurants. She loved her hometown and was proud to have lived in the Grass Lake area most of her life.  Mary loved spending time with her family and her cats. 

A gathering of friends and family will take place at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

A private burial at Mt Hope Waterloo Cemetery will take place at a later date. Expressions of sympathy in her honor may be made to an animal shelter of one's choice.  

Elizabeth "Betty" Moeckel Williams

Elizabeth “Betty” Moeckel Williams, age 87, passed away on June 24, 2022 in Fort Myers, FL. Betty was born on August 12, 1934 in Lansing, MI, the daughter of William and Iris (Trahair) Robb.

Betty was a member of the United Methodist Church. She loved watching game shows, especially Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, and doing crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles.

Betty is survived by three children, Richard Moeckel of Ft. Myers, FL, Lizbeth “Ann” Smith of St. Johns, MI, and Susan Moeckel of St. Johns, MI; grandchildren: Robert (Jennifer) Moeckel of Mason, Derek (Lisa) Smith of Lansing, Lauren (Jeremy) Hosey of Charlotte; great-grandchildren: Morgan and Reese Moeckel, Sophia and Hudson Smith, and Quinn and Rory Hosey; brother, William Robb, and sister-in-law, Vicki Robb. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Royce Moeckel in 1994, her second husband, Clement Williams in 2012, a brother, Jon Robb, and sister-in-law, Millie Robb.

A Graveside Service will take place at Munith Cemetery on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Capital Area Humane Society. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

John Peters

John Peters, of Munith, Michigan, was born May 14, 1945 in Martin, Kentucky to Frank and Belva Peters. He passed away on August 1, 2022 at age 77.

He is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Kathy Peters (neé Corwin), whom he married on June 5, 1965. John and Kathy were high school sweethearts who enjoyed fifty-seven wonderful years of marriage together.

John was the very definition of a family man; a man who basked in the warmth and love of the family that surrounded him. His sense of humor brought joy and giggles to all that he came into contact with. His warm and gentle nature brought not only people, but also many stray animals into his orbit. His greatest desire was to show love and warmth to those who had never known it.

John is survived by his wife, Kathy, his sister, Bessie Keehne, his children: Angie (Mike) Carney of Downers Grove, Illinois, Andrea Sands (Alan Stephens) of Fort Worth, Texas, and John (Lynda) Peters of Rives Junction, Michigan; his grandchildren, to whom he was lovingly known as “Poppy”: Kati (Todd) Bevering, Brandon (Samantha Majewski) Carney, Joshua (Ashton) Stephens, Brooke (Jake) Thygesen, John Patrick (Mary Danes) Peters, Tyler Stearns, Marlee (Ben) Woods, Matthew (Keeli Ray) Stephens, Conner Peters, Sylvia (Joe Marshall) Peters, and Emily Stephens; his great-grandchildren: Chloe Carney, Kayden Stearns, Brady Bevering, Briar Bevering, and Beau Bevering; many uncles, cousins, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces and nephews.

Per John’s wishes, cremation will take place. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Cascades Humane Society. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Juan Ramos

Juan Ramos, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was 83.

Born in Whiteface, Texas, on July 1, 1939, Juan was one of 13 children born to Emigdio and Juana Ramos. A graduate of Texas Tech University and Thunderbird School of Global Management, Juan moved to Michigan in 1965 to work at Ford Motor Co. (Ford Tractor division), where he worked until 1998. He was also a reservist in the Army. In Michigan, he met his wife, Kathleen, whom he married on April 27, 1968. Together they had three children.

Juan was an instant friend to everyone he met and enjoyed striking up conversations and truly getting to know people of all walks of life. A man of integrity and warmth, he was skilled at and passionate about bringing people together. Another of Juan’s passions was gardening. Juan was a lifelong learner, creative thinker, and entrepreneur. One of his favorite pastimes was doing arts and crafts with his beloved grandchildren.

He owned several businesses over the years and also worked as a Spanish teacher and Spanish medical interpreter. Even outside of a formal classroom, he enjoyed teaching Spanish to anyone and everyone. Juan was a notable baseball player, playing ball for over 60 years, including for Ford Tractor teams and Lutheran church teams. He lovingly gave his time to his church, helping to lead men’s breakfasts and participating in Bible study.

Juan is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathleen; their three children, Philip Ramos (Ileana), Alex Ramos (Elizabeth), and Katie Rogers (Nick); five grandchildren, Jonah, Mia, Flora, Rose, and Leo; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings.

A memorial service for Juan will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at Peace Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m., with the service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow; all are welcome to attend.

Memorial contributions can be made to Peace Lutheran Church, 8260 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, where Juan was an active member in many ministries.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Katherine A. "Kathy" Withrow

Katherine Ann Withrow, age 82, of Munith, MI, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 30, 2022. Kathy was born on March 29, 1940 in Stockbridge, MI to Harold and Cleo Horning. She was a 1958 graduate of Stockbridge High School. Kathy received the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior in November 1958 and lived faithfully for Him.

On April 18, 1959, she married her high school sweetheart, William “Bill” Withrow. In 1960, they built a home on her family’s farm in Munith and raised their family there. Kathy retired from Stockbridge Community Schools after 30 years, working at Katz Elementary and Smith Elementary. After retirement, Kathy and Bill loved spending the winter months in Zephyrhills, FL for nearly 20 years.

Kathy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a great cook, was generous, always thinking of others, and was a wonderful godly example to her family. She will be greatly missed, especially her smile, her one liners, and seeing her eyes light up when she was with her great-grandchildren.

During her teen years, she loved riding and caring for her horses. As an adult she loved traveling with Bill, spending time with her family and friends, working in her flower beds, crafting, quilting, sewing, collecting cardinals, chickens, and antique dishes. She enjoyed shopping for Christmas gifts all year long for the family she loved so much.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and sister-in-law, Barb Horning. In addition to her husband, Bill, she is survived by her brothers, Wayne Horning of Grand Rapids, MI and Carl (Sue) Horning of Jackson, MI; her children: Brian (Tina) Withrow of Wetmore, CO, Brent (Bonnie) Withrow of Rives Junction, MI, and Heidi (Jim) Baisden of Munith, MI; as well as nine grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Jeruel Baptist Church in Munith, MI on Thursday, August 4, 2022 from 5-7 p.m., as well as on Friday from 1-2 p.m.

A Memorial Service will be held at Jeruel Baptist Church on Friday, August 5, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., led by Pastor Josh Swieringa and Pastor Brian Withrow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jeruel Baptist Church.

Shawn M. Cyrocki

Shawn M. Cyrocki, age 51, of Jackson, MI, passed away on July 29, 2022 unexpectedly. She was born on October 13, 1970 in Jackson, MI to Danny and Betty (McGlothen) Allen.

Shawn enjoyed cooking and spending time with family, most of all with her grandson. She married Bruce Cyrocki on June 28, 1997 in Jackson, MI.

She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Bruce Cyrocki of Jackson, her dad, Danny Allen of Jackson; three children, Austin, Jadien, and Samantha, all of Jackson; her grandson, DeAngelo Garcia; nephews, Dillon (Brei) Allen of Leslie, Alexander Allen of Jackson; step-brother, Buster Fry, Lisa Allen, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her mom, Betty McGlothen, brothers, Timothy and David Allen, her grandparents, and many aunts and uncles.

No services are planned at this time. Contributions may be made to the family.

Kristin Lee “Kris” Scheppe

Kristin Lee “Kris” Scheppe, age 51, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on July 28, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family and friends.  She was born on June 22, 1971 in Livonia, MI to Warren and Anita (Bailey) Scheppe.

Kris enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, and especially her grandkids.  She loved shopping, as it was her passion to find all the best deals.  She and her family loved to vacation in Florida and relax on the beach. 

Kris is survived by her mother, Anita Scheppe, brothers, Jeff Steckelberg (Leela Vernon) of Stockbridge, and Josef Scheppe (Amber Badour) of Ann Arbor, and her life-long partner, Brian Ball.  Also surviving are her three girls:  Faith Comiskey (Stanley Augustine) of Okemos, Amanda Rose (Mark) of Fowlerville, Jessica Renard (Aaron) of Webberville; four grandchildren, Ashton, Ava, Morgan, Marley; niece, Jenna Britcher (Jack).  She was preceded in death by her father, Warren Scheppe.

A memorial in her honor will be held on August 27, 2022 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the White Oak Township Hall, 1002 S. M-52, Webberville, MI.  Food and refreshments will be provided. Contributions may be made to Elara Caring (Hospice) of Jackson or the Ingham County Humane Society.

Ida May McArthur

Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Ida May McArthur, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away at her home on July 28, 2022 at the age of 74.

She was born the daughter of Candelerio and Josie (Gagliardi) Trujillo on June 26, 1948 in Trinidad, Colorado. Ida married Donald Raymond McArthur on June 25, 1966 in Trinidad, Colorado, and they were blessed with 56 years together. Ida loved spending time with her friends and family, especially when she was cooking for them. She was an excellent cook and was always ready to send food to loved ones. She was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for over 50 years and loved helping others learn about the Bible.

Ida is survived by her loving husband, Don, and two of her sons, Donald Jr. (Dana) McArthur of Stockbridge, and Jason (Debbie) McArthur of Jackson, as well as her grandchildren, Rachael, Megan, and Bobby. She is also survived by her sister, Shirley Trancoso of Trinidad, Colorado, and brother, Fred (Betty) Gagliardi of Denver, Colorado. She is preceded in death by her son, Stacy McArthur. Ida will be dearly missed by her many friends and family.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Pricilla M. Plonka

Priscilla Marylan Plonka, age 94, of Gregory, Michigan passed away at the St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital on July 28, 2022.

She was born the daughter of Elliott and Minerva (Schaefer) Childs on December 15, 1927 in Flint, Michigan.

She enjoyed sewing, gardening, reading novels and newspapers, and spending time up north mushroom hunting and time at her cabin.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Plonka. She is survived by her son, Mitch (Wendy) Hause, granddaughters, Nadine (Marc) Bowden, Erin (Jason) Griffin, Angela Bissoux; great-granddaughter, Samantha Griffin, and great-grandson, Michael Griffin.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Plainfield Cemetery.