Roberta E. "Bobbie" Wagner

Roberta E. "Bobbie" Wagner, age 77, of Grayling, MI, formerly of Dexter, MI, passed away January 18, 2023 at her home with her husband of 59 years, Robert "Bob" Wagner, at her side.

She was born on February 18, 1945 to Frank and Leona Mannor. Bobbie was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan but lived in Dexter most of her life until retiring and moving to their home in Grayling, Michigan, where she passed.

Bobbie was always busy helping out with the fireman's picnics and dinners, making her famous coleslaw and other foods. She enjoyed racing every weekend with Bob. Bobbie enjoyed trips out West, vacationing and hunting in Wyoming. She also enjoyed spending time with all her nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, and all the rest of the kids, either babysitting, camping, or taking them up North cherry picking. She was never bored, always working outside, and spending time with her dog, Obie. She enjoyed life and never gave up!

Bobbie's siblings are Ronald and Claudia Mannor of Fowlerville, MI, Dianna and Donald Merkel of Georgia, Ellen Policht of Grayling, MI, Leland and Sherri Mannor of Oregon, Joseph Mannor of Michigan, Deb and Cecil Welch of Wayne, MI, and Leanna Mannor of Ann Arbor, MI.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Frank and Leona Mannor; and her brothers, Frank Mannor Jr, and Daniel Mannor.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Dexter, Michigan.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, Michigan.

Elizabeth Dawn Caplis

Elizabeth Dawn (Stanford) Caplis, of Sylvan Township, Michigan, age 75, passed away on March 28, 2023 following a brief cancer diagnosis. She was born on August 14, 1947 in Baltimore, Maryland, the daughter of Walter and Charlotte (Finck) Stanford. Dawn married Thomas Edward Caplis, who precedes her in death.

Dawn raised her three children with Thomas before beginning a career in medical records at the University of Michigan Hospital. She was an instructor at Baker College. In later years, she served on the planning commission for Sylvan Township and as a trustee for the Chelsea District Library. Growing up in a military family, she lived in England, Spain, and Savannah, Georgia and loved to travel. She would also be found gardening, quilting, and card-making with family and friends.

Dawn is survived by her three children, Jennifer Caplis (Dr. Mark Bortolussi) of Marshall, MI, John (Dr. Laura) Caplis of Alpena, MI, and Robert Caplis of Chelsea, MI; three grandchildren, Connor, Jack, and Claire Caplis; and her siblings in Maryland: Doris Stanford, Frances Haslup, Michael Stanford, Dolores Ward, and Kimberly Whalon. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Thomas Stanford.

Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church of Chelsea with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Interment will commence at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea. Family will receive friends at church from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary Catholic Church of Chelsea Religious Education, as her faith helped her remain courageous throughout her life; you may call the church at 734-475-7561 or online at stmarychelsea.weshareonline.org. Contributions may also be made to support the Palliative Care Gift Fund at the University of Michigan; you may also call 734-764-6777 or online at victors.us/dawncaplis.

The family thanks the providers at Michigan Medicine, particularly the Palliative Care team, along with the Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice who cared for Dawn in her final days.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Dwight Caldwell

Dwight Caldwell, age 76, of Tecumseh, MI, passed away on March 26, 2023 at his home. Dwight was born on June 23, 1946 in Pikeville, KY to Pritchard and Helen (Dignall) Caldwell.

Dwight grew up in Kentucky and moved to Michigan when he was 19. He had lived in the Tecumseh area since the late 70's. He worked for Ford Motor Company, retiring after 30 plus years of service. He was a member of the UAW and remained involved even after he retired. Dwight enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was hunting or fishing. He was an avid deer hunter, and at one point owned his own taxidermy business.

Dwight is survived by his son, James (Lori) Caldwell of Jackson, eight grandchildren, Kortney, Jackie, Zach, Gracee, Patrick, Elizabeth, Bradon, and Hallie; and one great-grandchild, Freya; his siblings, Eva June Thayer, Herschel Caldwell, and Paul (Libbey) Caldwell. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Joseph Caldwell, and two of his siblings, PJudy and Cleda.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Edward J. Sutliff

Edward Joseph Sutliff, age 96, of Sugarloaf Lake, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on March 27, 2023. He came to Sugarloaf Lake through his marriage to Mimi Loretta Guinan in 1994, and while she preceded him in death, her family was also his until the end. What came before that end was a life filled with stories.

Born and raised in Detroit, Ed lived in Michigan his whole life--though he traveled around the entire country. At 18, in 1945, he joined the United States Navy in WWII at the Pearl Harbor Submarine Base. He was a member of the base band and played the clarinet and saxophone. He was proud of this service and remained an active member of the Chelsea American Legion 31 and VFW 4076, walking in every parade until he graduated to riding in the back of a convertible. Perhaps he would have preferred driving his golf cart with a beer in hand (he did love his beer), but we suspect the parade organizers would have declined such an offer.

He worked for many automotive companies including DeSoto, Packard, and General Motors. Ed was an apprentice carpenter and journeyman electrician and made $1.25 an hour. This work led him to discover his love and gift for woodworking and teaching. Ed was a teacher for Cass Tech in Detroit, Eastern Michigan University, the University of Michigan, and finally the South Lyon School District. He retired from there after 20 years as a shop teacher who helped start the Build a House Program. Hundreds of young lives were shaped by his guidance and encouragement--and not just young lives, for Ed continued to create beautiful wooden works of art as gifts for everyone he cared for. He delighted friends and family with beautifully crafted jewelry boxes, clocks, chests, and other hand made gifts--to say nothing of the renovations he helped others make on their homes, buildings that will forever reflect his skilled craftsmanship.

Outside of work Ed had a busy life indeed. An avid bowler, he absolutely would have beat your high score. He liked war movies and followed the Tigers. Above all, he was a most committed and adoring of partners. He lovingly cared for his first wife, Fran, until she passed in 1991. He married Mimi Enos a few years later and found a new home within the Sugarloaf Lake community. During the winter he traveled across the country in his RV, taking Mimi and his mother-in-law throughout the south, along with many family trips to theme parks and historical spots (including one to Gettysburg that resulted in his brother-in-law just stopping the large vehicle on the middle of a bridge so that Ed could take over driving. Ed was just that reliable a guy).

But NOTHING could take Ed away from summers on the lake. In front of his cottage always sat chairs and a picnic table waiting to welcome a neighbor to sit and share a beer (we did say he loved his beer). When dusk arrived the fire would start up, and Ed told many jokes and stories around the firepit (few people could deliver a joke the way Ed could; ask anyone who heard his diesel fitter one). Ed adored laughing and making others laugh in return. He was a gentle yet firm and exacting man who found great joy in life and everyone he met--and everyone he met was luckier to have met him! Sixteen young people called him Papa, and another twelve knew him as Papa Ed.

Ed was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary and Shirley, step-children, Audrey and Shirley, and his first two wives. He is survived by step-children, Leonard (Darlene) Wells, John (Pam) Enos, Lynn (Marc) Keezer, and Deborah (Albie) Rasegan; and in-laws, Cathy Guinan and Dennis Wagenschutz. He is also survived by his beloved special companion, Sharon Mahan; great friend, John Phelps; and the entire Sugarloaf Lake Community. There is no end to the number of lives he touched.

A celebration of life will take place this spring.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Jean Fendt

Jean Fendt, age 91, of Chelsea, MI, went to be with her heavenly Father on March 26, 2023. Jean was born December 24, 1931 in Dearborn, MI to John and Marguerita (Poad) McLeish. She was predeceased by her only sister, Janet Queen of Sun City, FL in 2008.

Jean graduated from Dearborn High School in 1949 and attended Michigan State University for one year. Jean married her high school sweetheart, Junior L. Fendt, on October 6, 1951 in Baltimore, MD, as Junior was stationed at Fort Lee in Petersburg, VA. They lived in Virginia until Junior was sent overseas for duty to Fulda, Germany. Jean was able to join him in Fulda, and they lived there from 1951-1953. Their first daughter, Sandra, was born in Frankfort, Germany in 1952. They returned to the US in the fall of 1953. After returning to the US, they lived in Farmington, MI, where Junior was employed at his family business, Fendt Builders Supply, Inc. This is where they raised their family.

They had three children, Sandra A. (Rick) Shrope of Cody, WY, Alan D. (Sharon) Fendt of Dexter, MI, and Terri J. (Eric) Schuster of Waterford, MI. They had seven grandchildren, Brook Schuster, Nikole Bierman, Samantha Davidson, Matthew Fendt, Steven Fendt, James Schuster, and Jessica Newberger; also 18 great-grandchildren.

Junior became semi-retired, and he and Jean moved to Meeteese, WY where they lived from 1989-2005, also owning the Bar TL Ranch for a few years. They relocated to Cody, WY in 2005. Jean loved her horses riding in the mountains, and she and Junior spent many hours doing just that. She liked sewing, cooking, reading, rug hooking, and just being outdoors.

Jean and Junior were both members of Faith Lutheran Church in Dexter, MI.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 5-8 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 31, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Faith Lutheran Church in Dexter, MI, with Pastor Spencer Biga officiating. Burial will take place at Glen Eden Memorial Park. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

William J. Crews

William Joseph Crews, age 63, of Stockbridge, Michigan, formerly of Chelsea and Westland, MI, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on March 24, 2023.

He was born the son of Joe W. and Rose Marie (Couturier) Crews on March 30, 1959. On November 8, 1980, he married Julie Ann (Postal) in Canton, Michigan, and she survives.

William was drafted by the Detroit Tigers out of high school and eventually played for the Eastern Michigan University Hurons. He enjoyed music, golf, playing the drums, and playing slow pitch softball. Family and friends were most important to him. He was a great husband, father, and grandfather and will be missed by his entire family.

In addition to his wife, Julie, he is survived by his children, Samantha (Mac) Jones, Stephanie Crews, Sarah ( Bill) Nesbitt, Steven Crews, and Scott Crews; grandchildren, Bailey and Brianna. He is also survived by his brother, Jim (Lynn Rollet) Crews. In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his siblings, Robert Crews, Anita Platt, and Linda Miller.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will take place at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Anne E. Potts

Long-time area resident and teacher, Anne Potts, died peacefully surrounded by her family at her home in Gregory on March 25, 2023 – just hours before her 58th wedding anniversary to Jack.

Born Anne Elizabeth Howlett on September 20, 1940 to Thomas and LeAnna Howlett, Anne was the younger sister of Henry, and the older sister of Christine “Tinnie” and Joseph. She devoted her life, along with Tinnie, to caring for their two disabled brothers.

A Stockbridge graduate, Anne followed her parents’ footsteps to Kalamazoo College and later graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Education, as did Jack and her son, Sam; the family vocation was strong, as both her parents, Tinnie, and many other relatives were teachers, and was rivaled only by Anne’s Spartan spirit. All four of her children and one daughter-in-law graduated from MSU, and she attended or watched football and basketball games (always wearing green and white) enthusiastically. She bore losses and wins with grace and good humor, but those who loved her well knew ‘the look’ for either scenario.

In 1965, she was eating ice cream in the family kitchen when Charles “Jack” Potts, her high school sweetheart, blurted out, “Why don't we get married?” In 10 days they married in the Gregory Baptist Church. They went north to the family cabin in Alcona County, and she returned after the weekend to teach her 2nd graders in Howell. Jack returned to his studies at MSU, but once he had his Education degree, they lived in Oak Grove and both taught in Howell Schools.

The family moved back to Gregory in 1973 so Jack could take over the family hardware store, Howlett Hardware. Anne raised their four children until she returned to teaching in Stockbridge schools in 1987. She was treasured by students and colleagues alike, a gentle, fun, funny, endlessly patient teacher in Smith Elementary until she retired in 2005, after being awarded employee of the year for Stockbridge Community Schools.

Anne loved her annual cousins’ trip to Charlevoix, where the Howlett girls would ‘work’ (shopping) and talk all night. Ever the teacher, she always gave a ‘lesson’ – a favorite poem or reading. Northern Michigan held a special place in her heart, having spent childhood summers with her siblings and family friends living in a rustic cabin adjacent to a farm. That elicited a lifelong love of animals, especially dogs and her backyard birds. Anne’s feeders attracted myriad birds, which she taught her children and grandchildren to identify and enjoy.

Anne’s flower gardens were never showy but always perfect, and her cooking and baking were legendary. In later years, she enjoyed working at estate sales with her friends and collecting antiques. She had a deep faith, loved reading, crosswords, and most of all, her family.

She is survived by Jack and their four children: Jack (Vicki) Potts of Wheaton, IL; Nathan Potts of Sacramento, CA; Sam (Meg) Potts of Brighton, MI; and Laura (John) Bakewell of Norwich, England; grandchildren, Thomas and Caroline Potts of Illinois; Maisie Potts of Michigan; and Lizzie, Anna, George and Sam Bakewell of England, her siblings, Tinnie O’Haver and Joe Howlett; and many loved nieces, nephews, and cousins survive. Her grandson, Charles Stephen Potts, preceded her in death.

She lived a good life and was loved beyond words.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Gregory Community Church. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, 1:00 p.m., at Gregory Community Church, with Pastor Dan Miller officiating. Lunch to follow, then burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Gregory Community Church.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge

Andrew J. "Andy" Kapko

Andrew J. "Andy" Kapko, of Southgate, MI, age 62, passed away on Sunday, March 18, 2023 at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital.

Andy was born on April 29, 1960 in Wyandotte, MI, the son of Andrew and Stella (Gefert) Kapko. He had lived with his family all of his life.

Andy was a people person, and he enjoyed his work as a liaison for the STEP program in Wayne County, a service which promotes the independence of individuals with special needs. He was an avid sports fan, and he enjoyed watching the Detroit Redwings, Lions, and Tigers, and the Dallas Stars and Cowboys. He also enjoyed music and dancing.

He is survived by two sisters, Judith Kapko and Joel Kapko of Southgate, MI. He was preceded in death by his father in 1999, and his mother in 1992.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from 1-5 p.m. at Molnar Funeral Homes-Southgate Chapel, 14032 Northline Rd., Southgate, MI. He will be laid to rest next to his parents at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Pinckney, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to ARC Downriver in Wyandotte.

Local arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Harold J. Edson

Harold J. Edson, age 59, passed away on March 14, 2023 at his home in Stockbridge, MI. Harold was born on October 15, 1963 in Ypsilanti, MI, the son of Richard and Ina (Jackson) Edson.

Harold proudly served his country in the US Army. He had lived in the Stockbridge area for the past 23 years, moving from Ypsilanti. Harold worked as a mechanic for ARC Spring, Inc. He loved to tinker and work on cars. He also enjoyed riding motor cycles. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa Lee (LaCoss) Edson, two children, Matthew (Megan) Edson of Ann Arbor, and Jared (Danielle) Edson of Stockbridge; three grandchildren, Aria, Braelyn, and Liam; and his siblings, Eric (Connie) Edson of Dundee, and Kimberly (Andrew) Szuma of Belleville. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Richard Edson.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held at the Arctic Breakaway Banquet Room on Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 1-4 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Ruth E. O'Dell

We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Ruth Ellen (Anderson) O’Dell on March 11, 2023.

She was born May 12, 1951 in Detroit, MI to Merle and Betty Anderson. Ruth grew up in Redford Township and graduated from Thurston High School in 1969. She attended Michigan State University, where she studied Early Childhood Education. She married Dennis O’Dell on July 10, 1971 in Livonia, MI. She retired from the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System after decades of service.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis O’Dell, of Chelsea, MI; her daughters, Jenefer O’Dell and Becky (Bruce) Korn; beloved grandchildren and great-grandchild, Jaden and Delaney O’Dell and Jamie, Benjamin, Madelyn and Mason Korn; a special girl, Maeve Rosalee, that made her a GiGi; and many siblings, nieces, and nephews. All of these she loved and touched deeply.

Ruth was proud of her family, especially her grandchildren, and if you talked with her, you would probably hear stories about them and their many accomplishments. Her grandchildren will remember her as fierce, adventurous, generous, imaginative, thoughtful, and vibrant. They loved her as much as she loved them. Ruth created special memories with each of her grandchildren including craft projects, girl’s trips to Chicago and the theater, Christmas cookie parties, fishing contests and elaborate trips to celebrate their 13th birthdays. Ruth loved her home, gardens, Alpena, reading, and travel. She loved a good beer while watching her beloved Spartans, on the golf course, the bowling alley, on a neighbor’s backyard patio in Pine Ridge, on a boat cruising Long Lake, at a local brewery, or during a fiercely competitive game of Scrabble at her kitchen table.

Our mom was a true matriarch of the family, keeping us all together to celebrate holidays and special occasions, passing down family traditions, and creating new ones like family cooking contests on the day after Christmas, Easter Sunday, family Wiffle Ball games, and annual family gatherings at our cottage. Her generous spirit and love kept us all grounded in the importance of family and taking care of those we love.

A celebration of life is being planned for May 7, 2023 at Robin Hills Farm in Chelsea, MI. Details to follow.