Inez Hopkins

Inez Hopkins, age 94, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on September 13, 2022 at Legacy Assisted Living in Jackson, MI. She was born on January 27, 1928 in Royalton, KY, the daughter of Tony and Maude (Holiday) Push. She had lived in the Chelsea area for 70 years, moving from Kentucky. On September 12, 1947, she married Silas G. Hopkins,and he preceded her in death on February 2, 2010.

Inez worked for Jiffy Mix for 30 years. She enjoyed gardening, playing cards, watching her Soaps, and being at the cottage at Little Wolf Lake. She loved spending time with family and friends, especially her great-granddaughters.

She is survived by two children, Garry (Nancy) Hopkins of Galesburg, and Kathy H. Anderson of Grass Lake; four grandchildren, Todd, Scott, Chad, and Kelly; and five great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Jack Anderson, and two brothers, Bob Push and Clarence Push.

A private graveside service will be held at Oak Grove East Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Tobin J. Basore, Jr.

It is with great sadness that the Basore family shares news of the passing of Tobin Joseph Basore, Jr., on September 10, 2022. He was 34 years old.

Tobin's life was defined by kindness, persistence, and a gentleness of spirit that won him the deep and abiding love of his family and countless friends. With an open heart, Tobin pursued his goals, moving through challenges and never allowing setbacks to harden him or deter him from pursuing a peaceful and joyous life.

Tobin was born on January 6, 1988, in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Tracy Basore of Belle Glade, FL, and Toby Basore of Stockbridge, MI.

Adventures beginning in his youth formed his later years. His childhood backyard in Michigan was the family farm. A trip to Costa Rica awakened a lifelong passion for photography. An Outward Bound backpacking trip in Maine inspired self-reliance. Leadership Palm Beach County GROW influenced his love of community. After graduating from Wellington High School in 2006, Tobin set off for Florida State University. During a break from his studies, he joined his family to work with them on the farms in Michigan and Florida. He served as a liaison with the Palm Beach County Food Bank’s gleaning program. Eventually, Tobin returned to his academic pursuits and graduated with an Associate’s degree in Business from Palm Beach State College.

Tobin is survived by his mother, Tracy (Steve Royal) Basore, and father, Toby (Toni) Basore; his siblings, Robert Basore, Luke Basore, Zachary Royal, and Brooke Basore; step-brothers, Hunter Swiatek and Justin Swiatek; grandmother, Marcia Basore; aunts, Brenda (Benton) Tyson, Pamela McAllister, and Noelle (Greg Baltazar) Basore; uncles, Tommy Basore, Brian (Renee) Basore, Kevin (Tammy) Basore, Mike (Tammy) Basore, and Steve (Krista) Basore; over 30 cousins and second cousins; and his beloved niece, Amelia. He was preceded in death by his paternal great-grandparents, Dave and Causby Basore; paternal grandfather, Tom Basore; and maternal grandparents, Mary and Robert Edens.

Tobin had strong spiritual faith and was a member of St. Rita Catholic Church in Wellington, FL. He greeted everyone with a smile and a hug. He cherished family gatherings, and the occasional golf and fishing outings with friends. Above all, he was an incredible brother to Robert, Luke, Zach, and Brooke. As the oldest sibling, he set a tone of exceptional love that they will carry in his memory.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 19, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, Michigan. Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2022,11:00 a.m., at Sts. Cornelius & Cyprian Catholic Church, 1320 Catholic Church Rd. Leslie, MI. Tobin’s final resting place will be at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge in the Basore family plot.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Wellington, FL on Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 2-5 p.m. at the Wellington National Golf Club, 400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington, FL 33414.

In lieu of flowers, Tobin’s family welcomes a charitable donation to the Tobin J. Basore, Jr., Scholarship Fund, established in his honor. Proceeds will benefit a Palm Beach County student who demonstrates compassion for others and seeks opportunities to make a difference in their community. Please make checks to: Toby J. Basore, Jr. Scholarship Fund, 2305 Cypress Lane, Belle Glade, FL 33430. The family also asks that to honor and remember Tobin, we each find a moment to provide a kindness to someone who could use the support.

Jack R. Stubbs

Jack Robert Stubbs, age 86, of Belmont, MI, formerly of Ann Arbor and North Lake, MI, was born April 18, 1936 to the late William and Frances (Cooper) Stubbs in Manistee, Michigan. He died on September 12, 2022 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sandra Eisele, his children, Lori Stubbs, Kelly Dishman, James Stubbs, Christian (Amy) Stubbs, and Carrie (Ray) Muterspaugh; twelve grandchildren, Ryan (Ashley) Dishman, Conor and Casey Dishman, Katie (Brent) Luzac, Matthew (Meaghan) Eckler, Tyler Eckler, James and John Stubbs, Hailey and Alec Stubbs, and Audrey and Jack Muterspaugh, ten great-grandchildren; brother, William (Laurie) Stubbs, brother-in-law, Donald Thomas, sister-in-law, Patricia (Don) Scott, many nephews and niece, and his former spouse, Carolyn (Paul) Ernzen. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Lorraine (Sissy) Stubbs and Elva Susie Thomas.

Jack was a unique and talented character. He was a musician, an artist, a fisherman, a sailor, a boater, a golfer, a traveler, a boatbuilder, and a photographer. He loved building several wooden boats, including a 33’ sailboat named for his Grandma, Susie Kelly. He loved being on the water, especially Lake Michigan, and he loved taking photos. He leaves a legacy of photos of people, places, and especially of his family.

Jack had a rewarding career as a newspaper photo journalist. He started his career at the Manistee News Advocate, then worked at the Battle Creek Enquirer. In 1968 he moved to Ann Arbor and spent 25 years telling stories with his photographs in The Ann Arbor News.

In lieu of flowers and to honor his 38 years of sobriety, please make memorial contributions to Dawn Farm in Ypsilanti.

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. from the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Judy Jahnke. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, September 30, 2022 from 6-8 p.m., as well as Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Keith Eugene Stapleton

Keith Eugene Stapleton, age 67, of Stockbridge, MI passed away at his home September 9, 2022 surrounded by his family.

Keith was born on October 12, 1954 in Jackson, MI to Eugene and Garnie (Allen) Stapleton. He lived most of his life in Stockbridge. He loved being a husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed anything fast including his motorcycle and various cars he had owned. He retired from Stockbridge Community Schools where he worked first as a janitor and then in the Maintenance Department.

Keith married Dorothea Marie Carr on October 21, 1972, and she survives. Also surviving are his two daughters, Donna Jean Owen and Amy Nicole Stapleton. He is also survived by his grandchildren, McKenna Ryan Owen, Coltyn Ridge Keith Owen, Kristin Nicole Scripter, Rodney Bruce Scripter III, and Gage Eugene Scripter. In addition to his parents, Keith was preceded in death by his sister, Tammy Stapleton, and an infant daughter, Kristin Lynn Stapleton.

Per his wishes Keith was cremated, and there are no services planned at this time. Arrangements are by the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Bonnie Ann Henn

Bonnie Ann Henn, age 77, of Michigan Center, MI, passed away on Monday, September 5, 2022 at her home. She was born December 20, 1944 in Stockbridge, MI the daughter of Carew and Levinia (Wallen) Smith. She had lived in Michigan Center since 2007, moving from Texas.

On December 20, 1962, she married Russell D. Henn in Jackson, MI, and they just recently renewed their marriage vows on September 1, 2022. She enjoyed spending time outside, gardening, fishing, and hunting mushrooms. Most of all she loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Russell Sr., two children, Russell Jr. (Rachel) Henn of Ohio, and Tracy (Jason) Abshire of Michigan Center; and five grandchildren. She was the last surviving sibling of 14 children.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2022, 1:00 p.m., at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Munith.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. and on Thursday from 12 noon until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Pleasant Lake Baptist Church.

Wilma D. Banks

Wilma D. Banks, age 84, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on September 4, 2022 at Chelsea Hospital. Wilma was born on September 5, 1937 in Little Rock, AR to Homer and Effie (Pulley) Wootten. She had lived in the Stockbridge area since 2013, moving from Hillman, MI.

She loved spending time outside, gardening, and tending to her flowers, and she loved a clean house. She had a special love of animals, especially her birds and dogs. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, and family and friends were very important to her.

Wilma married Raymond Banks on October 16, 1952, and he preceded her in death in 2012. She is survived by two children, Randall Banks of Tecumseh, and Theresa (Brent) Cadieux of Stockbridge; two daughters-in-law, Darlene Villareal-Banks of Florida, and Gina Banks of Michigan; eight grandchildren: Ryan Banks, Russell (Lydia) Banks, Marie Villareal, Raeann Banks, Christa (Kevin) Poeling, Shayna (Brian) Bradley, Trevor Cadieux, and Jillian Cadieux; 12 great-grandchildren: Reece Banks, Raychel Banks, Theresa Banks, Cassidy Banks, Royce Banks, Riley Banks, Jarret Banks, Ethan Banks, Kaeley Poeling, Ellie Poeling, Brayden Bradley, and Skylar Bradley; and three great-great grandchildren: Nick Carey Jr., Jayce Banks, and Dakota Banks. She was preceded in death by two sons, Robbie Banks and Roger Banks. She was the last of seven siblings.

All services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of your choice. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Howard R. Prough, Sr.

Howard R. Prough, Sr., age 82, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 with his family by his side. Howard was born on June 12, 1940 in Altoona, PA to Howard C. and Vivian H. (Wilson) Prough Jr.

On February 4, 1961, he married the love of his life, Carolynn (King). He and Caroylnn moved to the Chelsea area in 2009 from Wayne, MI. Howard enjoyed the outdoors, where he loved to camp, deer hunt, and fish. He was active in many sports such as bicycling with his children, and softball with his grandkids, umpiring many of their games. He enjoyed attending their many sporting events. He was also a Cub Master for one year. He and his wife took up square dancing, and they enjoyed learning and dancing together, traveling to many states dancing including Hawaii.

He is survived by his wife, Carolynn, his three children, Howard R. "Bud" (Pam) Prough, Jr., Robert “Bob” (Tracie) Prough, all of Westland, Theresa (Roy) Kolman, all of Chelsea; one brother, Bill (Beverly) Prough of Novi, 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Ashley Kolman, and great-grandson, Brayden Pattenaude.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 E. Old US 12, Chelsea, MI. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 -11 a.m. Burial will be at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action or Gleaners Community Food Bank.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Ethel M. Samuelson

Ethel May Samuelson, of Dexter, MI, age 91 passed away September 3, 2022 at home under the loving care of her family and Arbor Hospice.

Ethel was born September 24, 1930 to parents Amer and Marjory Platt. She married Harold Samuelson, of Menominee, MI, on October 29, 1949, and they celebrated 60 years of marriage before his death on December 9, 2009.

She is survived by her children: Barbara (Steve) Locks of Dexter; Betty (John) Given of Hibbing, MN; David (Susan) Samuelson of Westerville, OH; and Julie Samuelson of Dexter; 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Thompson and preceded in death by her brother, Ernest Platt. 

Ethel received her BS and MA from Eastern Michigan University. She taught in Chelsea briefly before beginning her long career at Dexter schools from 1972 to 1992. As a dedicated elementary school teacher she used traditional and creative ways to help each and every student feel worthy and to reach their potential. One of her memorable teaching highlights was having the students care for and study crayfish. Ethel and Harold traveled to many countries, and lived in Sumatra, Indonesia for two years when Harold worked for the U.S. Rubber Company. She traveled to Sweden many times to visit Harold’s extended family.

Above all, she was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Ethel enjoyed being a member of the Dexter Historical Society and led many school tours around the town and the museum. Ethel was a long-time member of the Dexter United Methodist Church, involved in numerous church activities. A highlight was being a member of the Church and Society Sunday school class. She loved and served the Lord her entire life.

Visitation will be at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI on Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.  Her funeral will be Friday, September 9, 2022 at Chelsea First United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. with visitation 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Dexter Historical Society,  Faith in Action, Arbor Hospice, or Doctors Without Borders, . On-line condolences may be made on www.mitchellfuneral.com. 

The family respectfully requests that masks be worn.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Denny S. Barnett

Denny Shawn Barnett, age 44, of Munith, MI, passed away on August 30, 2022. Denny was born on May 5, 1978 in Kenton, OH the son of Dean and Darlene (Manns) Barnett. He had lived in Jackson county most of his life, and he worked construction for Barton Mallow.

He loved nature and spending time outside. He also enjoyed singing and playing the guitar. He also loved to cook. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family, especially his daughter, Corrin Rose.

Denny is survived by his mother, Darlene Manns, his daughter, Corrin Rose Barnett, two brothers, Dean Barnett, Jr. and Boone Barnett; his grandmother, Mary Strawser, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Dean Barnett Sr., and his aunt, Debra Stacy.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Fitchburg Cemetery in Fitchburg, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to an educational fund for his daughter, make checks payable to Darlene Manns.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Marie Kathryn Fischer

Marie Kathryn Fischer (nee Dudack), of Chelsea, Michigan, age 91, left this world on August 26, 2022. Marie was born December 23,1930 in New Britain, Connecticut, the beloved daughter of Jacob and Catherine Dudack. 

She was the sister of the late Patricia Dorsey and the late Jacqueline Boazman; devoted wife of 56 years of the late Richard L. Fischer; loving mother of David (Julie), Kathryn (Steve), and John (Janice); proud grandmother of Lindsay, Elizabeth (Coleman), Karl, James, Caroline (Mark), Aria, and her bonus granddaughter, Melissa; sister-in-law to Lois Daley and Peggy Johnston; and fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Marie graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Nursing School in New Britain, Connecticut and worked as a Registered Nurse but wanted to travel, so she became a flight attendant for American Airlines and moved to San Diego, California, where she met Richard who was in officer’s training with the Navy. They married and moved to Michigan to begin their family. 

She was a tireless supporter of her children’s sports and activities. In her later years, she was a preschool teacher at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Nursery School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Marie loved her family, her faith, and her friends. She enjoyed reading books and listening to audiobooks. She painted watercolors. She was a very passionate sports fan.

She instilled in her children and grandchildren independence, hard work, loyalty, the joy of travel, a love for oceans and the Great Lakes, and lots of laughter. She will be deeply missed.

A private memorial will be held at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mt. Elliot St., Detroit, Michigan 48207 or the St. Louis Center, 16195 W. Old US Highway 12,  Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.