Carla Sable-McCall

Carla Sable-McCall, age 77, of Pinckney, MI, passed away on August 27, 2022. Carla was born on April 15, 1945 in Butler, MO to Jack and Mary (Amman) Miller.

Carla had a wonderful sense of humor. She loved shopping, going to garage sales, and trips to Shipshewana. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them, and she had a great love of animals. She enjoyed spending time on Portage Lake.

She is survived by three children, Cheryl Sable, Jack (Brandi) Sable, and Holly Connley; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; one brother, Guy (Judy) Miller, and sister, Karen Wininski; also many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Floyd E. Sable, and her second husband, Virgil McCall, and a brother, Pete Miller.

Per her wishes cremation has taken place, and a private service will be held.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Shirley J. Roller

Shirley J. Roller, age 97, of Manchester, MI, passed away on August 29, 2022. She was born March 12, 1925 in Redford, MI to Leslie and  Lenora (Pardonnet) Chavey. Shirley was a life-long member of Manchester United Methodist Church and the Manchester American Legion.  She enjoyed spending time with her bowling girls, golfing partners, and swimming friends.

She will always be cherished by her four daughters, whom she always supported and loved. She will be remembered for her virtues of compassion, hard work, and selflessness, and her  dedication and service to the Manchester United Methodist Church.  Shirley was a wonderful cook and was famous for her German potato salad, wonderful family dinners, and pretzels.

Shirley is survived by four daughters: Sandra (Tom) Hamilton-Tilly of Algonac, MI, Robin (Walt) Sommers of Philadelphia, PA, Michelle (Rad) Garrott of Liberty, TN, Jill Roller (Steve Lyos) of Chelsea and Manchester; her grandchildren, Cameron (Dalila) Smeak, Amanda (Cameron) Scott, Adam (Andie) Macomber, Mindy Witting, Tom (Gina) Tilly, Phillip (Dena) Garrott, Billy Sommers; great-grandchildren, Austin Smeak, Addison Scott, Rosalie Macomber, Armani Garcia, Mitch Witting, Garrett Tilly, Vance Tilly, Kira Tilly, Phoenix Garrott, and Alexandria Garrott; one brother, Gary (Nancy) Chavey of Manchester; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Duane “Chink” Roller, sister, Lorraine (John) Dunny, and brother, Grant Chavey, and son-in-law, Gary Hamilton.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 2, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at the Manchester United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Manchester, MI. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Manchester Methodist United Church, Oak Grove Cemetery Association of Manchester, or the Manchester American Legion. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Virginia A. Visel

Virginia A. Visel, age 98, formerly of Chelsea, MI, passed away on August 25, 2022 in Grand Rapids, MI. She lovingly wrote her own obituary as follows:

In this way I want to say goodbye to my family and friends. I was born in Pontiac, MI July 30, 1924 to Merle Standish Barr, Sr. and Lucile McDaid Barr. When I was six months old we moved back home to Chelsea. I say, "back home," because my great-grandfather came from Vermont, took up a large tract of land which is now called the City of Chelsea.

I attended Chelsea schools, graduating with the class of 1942. I have been a member of First Congregational Church most of my life.

In 1945, I married my high school sweetheart, Edward Visel, and we had 71 good years together. I was a stay at home mom with my two children and spent time with my hobbie making birthday and wedding cakes for family and friends. I also taught cake decorating classes for the high school's continuing education classes. Later I was hired by the school as secretary to the principal in the student office, retiring in 1986.

I sadly leave behind my sister, Diana (Dick) Lubic of Plainwell, son, Barry Visel of Schoolcraft, and daughter, Lynn (Brian) Cox of The Villages, FL; four grandchildren: Benjamin (Trisha) Visel of Alto, Peter Visel of Kalamazoo, Allison (Naomi Turbidy) Cox of Boston, MA, and Amanda Cox of Seattle, WA; six great-grandchildren: Jake, Joe, Lexi, and Addie Visel, and Lucy and Simon Cox; and many nieces and nephews. I love you all and will miss you.

I am going to join my parents, my husband, Edward, brother, Merle S. Barr, Jr., sister-in-law, Arline Barr, daughter-in-law, Nancy Visel, and grandson, Gregory Visel. I will be happy to be with them again.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 from 6-8 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Chelsea with Rev. Barbara Edema officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Chelsea.

William A. "Bill" Groves

William A. “Bill” Groves passed away at Silver Maples in Chelsea, Michigan, on Tuesday, February 22, at the age of 95. Bill was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to William T. and Eleanor (Harrington) Groves. He grew up in the Burns Park area and on the family farm in Northfield Township. He was active in St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church for many years, beginning as a young boy singing in the church choir.

After graduating early from Ann Arbor High School, his mother authorized his enlistment in the United States Army Air Corps. Bill served during World War II from February 1944 - October 1945. Upon his discharge, he returned to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan. He was awarded his BSME from the School of Engineering in 1950.

In 1952 Bill married Elizabeth (Betty) Swift, who preceded him in death in 2015. They raised two daughters in Ann Arbor. Bill and Betty shared a variety of common interests, including history, the arts, and travel. Together they traveled to 49 states and numerous countries on five continents, often building their itineraries around their shared interests. Bill was an avid photographer and leaves behind many impressions of their life together.

During his career, Bill worked in multiple industries, was granted several patents, and held management positions in the electro-optics industry. He was a member of the American National Standards Institute and served as a Working Group Chairman in the 1980’s. Bill retired from KMS Fusion in 1990, however continued to work as a consultant in his retirement.

Volunteering was always part of Bill’s life. He was a member of the National Exchange Club (Ann Arbor club) during the years his career and family allowed. In retirement, he began volunteering on the oncology ward at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.

Moving to the Silver Maples community in Chelsea in 2002, Bill and Betty became active within not only Silver Maples, but the broader Chelsea community. At Silver Maples Bill was a member of the Maintenance Committee, the Spiritual Committee, and among the first members of the Silver Linings Fund committee. He and Betty both volunteered with the Chelsea Adult Learners Institute, and they regularly worked out at the Chelsea Wellness Center.

In recent years, until early 2020, Bill volunteered weekly at the Chelsea Hospital, both on the Medical/Surgical wards and in the Cancer Center. Additionally, he was a member of the Patient Experience Advisory Council.

Bill is survived by his two daughters, Ann Groves of Ann Arbor, MI, and Carol (Michael) Freeman of Sahuarita, AZ; a grandson, Jeffrey Freeman of Houston, TX; and several nieces and a nephew.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private burial was held.

Memorial contributions may be made to one of the following charities or a charity of the donor’s choosing: the Purple Rose Theater in Chelsea; the American Cancer Society; the Silver Linings Fund at Silver Maples of Chelsea.

A celebration of life coffee will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 15, 2022 in the Bistro at Silver Maples in Chelsea. The family requests masks to be worn by attendees outside the Silver Maples community.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Ashley E. Vermeylen

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ashley E. Vermeylen, of Grass Lake, MI, on August 22, 2022. She was born to Richard L. Bartlett Jr. and Mary (Sherwin) Bartlett on November 11, 1983 in Toledo, OH.

Ashley met the love over her life, Wesley D. Vermeylen, in sixth grade. They married and had three beautiful children Layla, 14, Elijah, 8, and River, 6, who were the lights of her life. She is also survived by her father, Richard L. Bartlett, Jr; mother, Mary (Sherwin) Bartlett; sister, Nicole Sweeny; grandmother, Joan Bartlett, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was an accomplished athlete, competing at high levels in swimming and equestrian sports. Ashley had a special connection with horses and enthusiastically shared her gift serving as a long-time member and mentor in the 4H program.

Ashley was a 2002 Chelsea High School graduate and an alumnus of Western Michigan University. Pursuing a career as a firefighter, she was a pioneer in her field as a female. Upon the birth of her first child, she then went on to a less risky career as a radiology technician.

Ashley spent her final years as a loving wife, mother, and caregiver. She embraced this role and always welcomed friends and family into her home with open arms. Bringing enthusiasm and passion to everything she touched, she lived her short life to the fullest. Ashley will be remembered by her family and friends as a beautiful spiritual soul with the most infectious smile.

A memorial service will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Friday, August 26th at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family

Alice M. McGinn Lirette

Alice M. McGinn Lirette, age 94, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at Silver Maples of Chelsea. Alice was born on September 7, 1927 in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of Earl and Marcella (McIntee) Black. Her father passed away early in life, and she was raised by her mother and step-father, Vincent Berry.

Alice had lived in the Chelsea area her entire life. She was raised Catholic, and supported both St. Mary Catholic Church of Chelsea and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter, as well as the St. Louis Center, and the Pious Union in Grass Lake. She worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Chelsea Community Hospital for many years as well as Inverness Country Club. She loved to golf, and she loved to travel.

Alice is survived by three children, Michael (Debora) McGinn of Kingsport, TN, James McGinn of Gregory, MI, and Mary Beth (Clyde) Whitaker of Stockbridge, MI; seven grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Betty Farrell of Dexter, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, William S. McGinn, her second husband, Edward F. Lirette, her son, Dennis McGinn, grandson, Grant W. Whitaker, daughter-in-law, Judy McGinn, and four year old brother, Robert Black.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 29, 2022 from 6-8 p.m. at St. Joseph Village Church, 3430 Dover St., Dexter, with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at St. Joseph Village Church with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh presiding. A private burial will take place at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery in Ann Arbor.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pregnancy Services of Greater Lansing or Faith in Action.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Carl Ousley

Carl Ousley, of Leslie, MI, age 81, passed away on August 21, 2022 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI. Carl was born on October 1, 1940 in Dock, KY to George and Osie (Miller) Ousley.

He married Lois (Chesley) on January 23, 1960, and she preceded him in death in 2011. Carl worked for many years as an electrician. He owned multiple businesses, including a laundromat, a TV repair shop, and a bait and tackle shop. He liked to tinker around the house and could fix anything. He built three of his homes, and he was very proud of that. He enjoyed playing music, especially Bluegrass, fishing, riding around the back roads, and spending time with his family.

Surviving are his children: Steve Ousley, Lisa Wheeler, Gayla Ousley, and Pam Rhodes; one sister, Barbara Howard; several grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel E. Ousley in 1985, and his siblings: Virgil Ousley, Jr. Ousley, Virginia Baird, Doris Ousley, Sally Lafferty, Susie McKee, Shirley Johnson, and Mary Ousley.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Jeff Howard officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Henrietta Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family. Please make checks payable to Gayla Ousley or Sarah Symonds.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI.

Timothy W. Penix

Timothy Wayne Penix, of Stockbridge, MI, age 64, passed away on August 5, 2022. Timothy was born in Jackson, MI on December 24, 1957, the son of Wayne and Earnestine (Young) Penix. He served in the U.S. military. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he had a love for classic cars and just collecting things.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, daughter, Misty Stevens of Stockbridge, sisters, Tina Delor of Chelsea and Wendy Bedell of Leslie, two grandchildren, Kyle McNutt and Hailey Gauss, and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents.

All services are private. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Irving H. Feller

Irving H. Feller, MD, age 97, passed away on August 13, 2022 with his beloved wife Cynthia by his side. Both were encircled by loving family and friends. Irving was born in New York on June 2, 1925. He attended Peter Stuyvesant High School and City College of New York before enlisting in the US Army in WWII. He served with distinction in both the European and Pacific Theaters.

After an honorable discharge Irving returned to his education graduating from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1955. He continued on at U of M to complete his internship and residency in General Surgery. He went on to do pioneering work on Burn Medicine in clinical, research, and educational capacities. He was a founder of the University of Michigan Burn Center, the National Institute of Burn Medicine, the National Burn Information Exchange, and the American Burn Association. As a clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical School, he taught students and mentored interns, residents, and fellows. He published over 128 books and papers during his tenure. Irving retired in 1990, a full Professor of Surgery and was awarded Professor Emeritus. 

Irving or “Doc,” as he was affectionally known, was a true Renaissance man. An avid reader, farmer, explorer, inventor, contractor, developer, and entrepreneur, his curiosity and sense of adventure provided fertile ground for a long and productive life. For over 46 years with his wife, friend, and soulmate Cynthia by his side, he felt he could do anything. And he did. They were together having adventures and fun right up to his death.

He is survived by his wife Cynthia (Wojtowicz) Feller, daughters Leslie Atler (Edward), Susan Feller, and son David Feller (Denise); grandchildren Todd Atler (Gia), Tim Atler (Denise), Liz Wagner (Mike) and Caroline Feller-Howard; great-grandchildren Aiden and Lucia Chanez Atler, Asha and Ronan Atler Super and Talia Wagner. He was preceded in death by his parents Max and Celia Feller, sister Roslyn and brother Lester. He was dearly loved by countless other family and friends.

In lieu of flowers please send memorial tributes to the charitable institution of your choice.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Jeffery D. Mead

Jeffery Dayle Mead, of Chelsea, MI, died Sunday, August 14, 2022 after an extended battle with diabetes and kidney disease. Jeff was born June 23, 1963 in Fort Polk, Louisiana. 

He was a graduate of Chelsea High School and worked as a service manager at auto dealerships throughout Washtenaw county. Jeff enjoyed playing softball, bowling, and fishing throughout his life.  Although Jeff lived most of his life in the Ann Arbor area, Jeff was an Ohio State football fan like his stepdad, much to the chagrin of his two brothers.

Jeff is survived by his mother, Brenda Beaver, brothers, Dave (Cheryl) Beaver, and Jim (Kristen) Beaver, as well as nieces, nephews, friends, and his beloved cat, Mandy.  Jeff is preceded in death by his stepfather, James Beaver.

The family will host a private memorial at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to his favorite charity, the Humane Society of Huron Valley, or Hospice of Michigan.