Alice Ledwidge

Alice Ledwidge, age eighty-nine, formerly of Dexter Twp., MI, went peacefully to the Lord with family by her side on April 22, 2023. Alice was born during 1933 in Montevideo, MN to Oliver and Gertrude Olson. After graduating from Montevideo Central High School, Alice went on to earn a Registered Nurse degree from the Presentation School of Nursing in Mitchell, South Dakota.

Alice married Jeremiah Ledwidge in 1956 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pinckney, MI. God blessed Alice and Jeremiah with three children: Leisa (Jay) Achterhoff, Paul (Laura) Ledwidge, and Karen (Kim) Bondar. Alice was devoted to her family and lived always in the light of God.  Alice was a longstanding member of the St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Dexter, MI.

Alice is survived by her children; six grandchildren: Jeffery, Jeremiah, Jordan, Patrick, Anna and Hadley; five great-grandchildren: Cameran, Alek, Scotland, Jackson and Beau. Alice was preceded in death by her parents and husband; and survived by a brother, David Olson. 

Alice loved to prepare and share meals with family and friends. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren, gardening, knitting, sewing, traveling, ice skating, bird watching, golfing, and chatting with people. Alice practiced nursing at McPherson Hospital and Mercywood Hospital, and later worked at Dexter Wylie Middle School.

On May 12, 2023, the Mass of Christian Burial was prayed at St. Joseph Catholic Church, followed by the Rite of Committal at North Lake Cemetery, The Reverend Brendan J. Walsh Presiding. 

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Faith In Action of Dexter-Chelsea and St. Louis Center of Chelsea.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Vincent J. Watkin

Vincent J. Watkin, age 80, of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Belleville, MI, passed away at his home on May 11, 2023 with his loving family by his side.

Vincent was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England on July 11, 1942 to Benjamin and Olive (Hurst) Watkin. He married Carole M. (Wise) on September 26, 1964 in England. Vincent worked for Ford Motor Company for many years, retiring in 2012. He had lived in Belleville for many years, just recently moving to Chelsea.

Vincent was a social guy. He loved talking to people and going to the Pub. He was one that never sat still. He enjoyed vacationing and spending time in St. Augustine, FL. He dearly loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carole Watkin, and four children: Jeffrey (Kathleen) Watkin of Chelsea, John (Staci) Watkin of Taylor, Dawn Butler of Florida, and Diane (Brandon) Lockman of Chelsea; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; also two sisters, Julie A. Woodward and Vivian Hinks, both of Wales. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, May 15, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., where the family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Senior Center or Faith in Action.

Ronnie R. "Ron" Cole

Ronnie R. Cole, age 64, of Jackson, MI, passed away on May 9, 2023 at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital. Ronnie was born on August 19, 1958 in Jackson, MI to John Edward and Shirley (Bailey) Cole.

On May 6, 1978, Ron married Elizabeth (Foster). He was employed by Henry Ford Jackson Hospital for many years and retired in 2021. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed the outdoors, sports, and mushroom foraging with his sons in the spring and fall. He had a special place in his heart for his two cats, Jack and Cubbie Joe. They will miss sitting and relaxing with him.

Ronnie is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and two sons, Ron Cole of Jackson and Adam (Dani) Cole of Alberta, Canada, and one granddaughter, the light of his life, Abigail Elizabeth Cole of Alberta, Canada. He is also survived by his three brothers, Rickie (Charlene) Cole of Michigan, Mark (Missye) Cole of Georgia, and Eric (Georgia) Cole of Alabama. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Per Ronnie's wishes no services will be held. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Ellen “Ellie” A. Barry

Ellen “Ellie” A. Barry, age 63, of Pinckney, MI passed away peacefully with her family by her side at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ypsilanti, MI in the early hours of Sunday, May 7, 2023, after a long, well fought battle against cancer.

Ellie was born in Detroit, MI on January 11, 1960. She grew up in Ohio until 1983 when she returned to Michigan where she would reside for the remainder of her life. Ellie worked in the IT business after graduating from Akron University in 1982. She continued her career in IT at Dawn Food Products in Jackson, MI for the past 22 years. She was a strong programmer, manager, and great teammate. Ellie was a creative soul who loved to craft, bake, and puzzle. She was known for organizing Christmas cookie making parties where she would make her famously good horseshoe cookies, along with a dozen other types of baked goods. She enjoyed spending time outside, being on the water, sitting in the sun, and listening to music, always with a smile on her face. She was a strong woman who overcame losing her hearing in one ear as a child due to Scarlet Fever, enduring years of surgeries from Rheumatoid Arthritis beginning in her early 20’s, and cancer for the past 13 years. She never complained, ever. Ellie kept living and helping those around her in life. Ellie battled through all hardships fearlessly.

Ellie found her soulmate, David Barry, in 2013 and were married on October 13, 2018. They had 10 amazing years together. Ellie was preceded in death by her parents, John “Hap” and Mary Healy, and sister, Jenny Healy. She is survived by her beloved husband, David Barry of Pinckney; her two sons, Joseph and Paul Casari of Manchester, MI; sisters, Sue (Tim) Farris of Massillon, OH, Patty Healy of Fort Myers, FL, and brother, Steve (Paula) Healy of Dexter, MI; stepmother, Jane Healy of Canton, OH; stepsons, Matthew (Heather) Barry, Peter (Kate) Barry, and stepdaughter, Cleo Barry; first husband, John Casari; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and her loving dog, Ziggy.

Ellie gave in death, just as she gave in life. Ellie was able to act as an organ donor and provide the gift of sight to someone through eye donation with Eversight eye bank.

Visitation will take place on Monday, May 15, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home located at 901 N. Main Street, Chelsea, MI 48118.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Gifts in memory of Ellie may be designated to The University of Akron’s organization, “Women in IT Security.” Checks can be made payable and sent to the University of Akron, Department of Development, 375 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44325-2603.

Arrangements made by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Robert F. Guinan

Robert Francis Guinan, age 97, passed away May 7th, 2023. Robert was born on July 5th, 1925 in Chelsea to Leo and Isabel (Liedel) Guinan. He married his loving wife, Mary Claire (Nadon) Guinan, on May 17th, 1958.

He is survived by his wife and five daughters: Roberta (Dennis) Kulpa, Marie (Robert) Tisdale, Christine (David) Schutz, Donna (Steve) Henry, and Peggy (Clint) Owens; his eleven grandchildren: Steven, Michael, Matthew, Ryan, Ashley, Kelsie, Taylor, Jakob, Austin, Kaylie, and Alex. He is survived by his sister, Jane Beusterien. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon, his parents, Leo and Isabel, his brother, Kenneth, and his sister, Florence.

He served in the Navy in World War II, aboard the S.S. Minneapolis as an anti-aircraft gunner. He received several distinguished service awards including: Asiatic-Pacific Medal with seven stars, American Area Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal with two stars, and a Victory Medal.

Faith and family were instrumental in his life. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea where he was active in Prison Ministry, Eucharistic Ministry, and one-time Grand Knight. He received a ministry appreciation award from St. Mary’s in 2006. He was also a member of the Fransican Third-Order. He worked as a typewriter repairman and has been retired for thirty years. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, praying with others, and attending daily masses after retirement. He loved his wife and six girls dearly and was so very proud of all his kids’ accomplishments. He will be remembered for his gentle demeanor and caring personality, as well as his fun trick for over 80 years of standing on his head. His famous saying, “God Bless You,” will always have a special place in our hearts. May God forever bless him. He truly will be missed by all that knew him.

There will be a viewing at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral home on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with the Rosary taking place at 7:30 p.m.

The instate will take place at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, on Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 10-11 a.m., with the celebration of life starting at 11:00 a.m. The burial will take place immediately afterwards at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Franciscan Order or St. Louis Center.

Jessie J. Mays

Jessie James Mays, of Munith, Michigan passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family that provided care for him in his home for the past six years.

He was born the son of William and Julia (Lafferty) Mays on August 30, 1930 in Maytown, Kentucky.  Jessie married Donna Dixon, and she preceded him in death. Jessie proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Jessie enjoyed traveling to Florida and camping up north with family.

Jessie is survived by his children, Lori (Mike) Stiger, Chris (Dave) Harrison, Tom Mays; siblings Marie, Alva, Richard, Virgil, John and Margie. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Darren, Ryan, Jasen, Erickah, Wesley, Tucker, Hailey, Maddie, and his very special caregiver/granddaughter Mallory; great-grandchildren, Breslin, Jesse, Ryan Jr., Kayli, Ryali, Noelle, Andrew, Holli, Justin, Brianna, Devin, Kameren, Kaleb, Ryan, Logan, Liam, and Eli. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by seven siblings. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. We want also give a special thank you to Angel Care Network and Arbor Hospice for their outstanding service.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May  9, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. from the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers please make any donations in Jessie’s name to the Jeruel Baptist Church in Munith or Crossroads Community Church in Stockbridge.

George Zdeba

George Zdeba, Jr., of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Horton, MI, age 92, passed away on May 4, 2023 in Chelsea, MI. George was born on June 20, 1930 in Detroit, MI to George and Stella (Pietruszka) Zdeba. He was a resident at Silver Maples of Chelsea for the past 3 1/2 years, moving from Pine Hill Lake in Horton. Prior to his residency in Horton, he resided in Redford Twp. for 21 years.

George worked as a Tool and Die Maker at General Motors in Hamtramck. He retired in 1989 after 32 years of service to Chevrolet Gear and Axle. From the age of 15, George’s dream was to own a lake house. At the age of 49, George’s dream came true with the purchase of his home on Pine Hill Lake. He loved lake life, spending time on his pontoon, working in his beautiful yard, and a good barbecue!

George played a significant role in establishing the Pine Hill Lake Association which would keep the lake clean and beautiful for future generations. George also worked diligently for many years on the installation of sewers around Pine Hill Lake which contributed significantly to the increase to the value of all properties.

George and Connie volunteered at various organizations throughout the community with the Hanover Horton Historical Society being one of their favorites. George was an active member of St. Rita Catholic Church in Clark Lake and enjoyed serving as an usher for many years.

George was also interested in his family heritage from Russia and Poland.

After Connie’s passing, George lived at Silver Maples of Chelsea and shared his good nature and humor with everyone he met.

On May 12, 1956, he married Constance H. (Kubiak) in Detroit, MI. George and Connie enjoyed 63 years of marriage before she passed in November of 2019. Surviving are three daughters, Diane (Ric Glass) Budziak of Lake Clarke Shores, FL, Mary Ann (Tony) Meza of Bloomfield Hills, MI, and Suzy (Pat) Stacey of Horton, MI; four grandchildren: James (Karina) Meza, Jonathan Meza, Taylor (Aaron) Mehner, and Kylie Adams; and two great-grandchildren, Daniela Meza and Shepherd Mehner. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bill Zdeba, and two sisters, Alice Moning and Helen Zdeba.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Sunday, May 7, 2023 from 3-8 p.m. with a Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the church from 10-11 a.m.

Interment will take place on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery in Brownstown Charter Twp, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to Silver Maples of Chelsea Employee Fund.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Beverly A. Kapolka

Beverly Ann Kapolka, of Chelsea, MI, age 84, passed away on May 3, 2023 at her home with family by her side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Faith in Action, Chelsea, MI.

Wilferd E. Risner

Wilferd “Sonny” Eugene Risner, age 92, of Fitchburg MI, passed away May 3, 2023, at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital. Sonny was born August 15, 1930, in Alger, Ohio, the son of George and Grace (Campbell) Risner.

On May 2, 1954, Sonny married Barbara Hazell. His family moved to the Dansville/Millville area during the Great Depression in search of farm work. Sonny was employed by the State of Michigan in the employment office for many years. He also taught Sunday School and was the youth group leader at the Methodist church, and co-secretary of the Fitchburg Cemetery Association. Sonny was a proud Air Force Veteran of the Korean Conflict.

Sonny is survived by his son Thomas Risner, and grandson Benjamin Risner of El Paso, TX. He is also survived by his brother Patrick Risner of Dansville, sister Dorothy Schmidt of Dansville, sister-in-law Diane Carpenter of Fitchburg, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, his grandson Samuel, daughter-in-law Patricia, brother Wilbur, and sisters Viola and Linda.

A funeral service will be held at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Fitchburg Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10-11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fitchburg Cemetery Association.

Neva Louise Lindemer

Neva Louise Lindemer (Porter) of Rockford went to be with her Lord on May 2, 2023. Louise was born to Silas and Leona (Banks) Porter on October 11, 1942 in Knox, Indiana.

She grew up in Stockbridge, Michigan where she met her husband, Lawrence “Larry” Lindemer Jr, in high school. Louise then attended the Jackson Business Institute and obtained an associate’s degree in business. Louise and Larry were married on April 5, 1962 in Stockbridge. They made their home in Jackson after Larry’s military service and welcomed their children, Larry III and Caroline, there.

Louise was the secretary for the First Baptist Church in Jackson for 35 years. They were members of the First Presbyterian Church in Jackson for over 50 years. In 2019 they moved to Holland, MI and then to StoryPoint Senior Living in Rockford, MI.

Louise loved caring for their home and property, spending time in their pool and next to the campfire. She enjoyed shopping for and collecting antiques, cooking for guests, playing bridge, knitting, attending her gym, taking photographs of her family, and seeing productions at their local theater.

Louise and Larry were long time members of the Jackson Civic Art Association and loved going on cruises and taking small trips, but above all else, she enjoyed spending time with her family and having her grandchildren visit. Louise was a devoted mother and extraordinary grandmother. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved and will greatly miss their “Grammy.”

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, infant twin sisters, brother Norman Porter, and niece Anna Lindemer. Louise is survived by her husband of 61 years; children Larry (Pam) Lindemer of Rockford and Caroline (Greg) Pond of Saugatuck; five grandchildren, Hayley Walker, Jake Lindemer, Annie Pond, Catherine Pond, and Rebecca Pond; two great-grandchildren, Silas Walker and Blair Walker; sister-in-law Mary Porter of Battle Creek, brother-in-law David (Sue) Lindemer of Venice, Florida, cousin Carson (Pat) Montgomery of Grass Lake; three nieces and numerous cousins.

A private memorial service will be held at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge.