Marilyn Ann Katz

Marilyn Ann Katz at the age of 84 went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She passed in peace on her family farm the evening of Tuesday, July 11, 2023. She was the daughter of Elmer and Elizabeth (Graf) Lytle, born on November 15, 1938.

Marilyn was raised in the Millville area until moving to Munith with her parents in early 1950s. Marilyn graduated from Stockbridge High School in the class of 1957. She married the love of her life, Dean Katz on June 26, 1960, and they were blessed to spend 59 loving years together. Marilyn worked for Farmers State Bank of Munith for over 46 years. She took great pride in running the family farm with her husband, working endless hours, raising calves, milking cows, record keeping, and keeping her farmers in check. Marilyn was known for her love of mowing lawn, flower gardens, her family, and her faith.

She is survived by her children, Deborah (Patrick) Feeney of Dansville, MI and Michael (Michelle) Katz of Munith, MI, and sister-in-law, Sue (Bailey) Lytle. Marilyn was blessed with six grandchildren, Richard (Jennifer) Hitchcock, Jordan (Amanda) Hitchcock, Matthew (Jackie) Katz, Ryan (Caitlin) Hitchcock, Courtnee (Kyle) Knepley, and Jeffrey (Madison) Katz. She was then blessed with 16 great-grandchildren who she adored. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brother, Jerry Lytle.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 14, 2023 from 5-8 p.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Jeruel Baptist Church in Munith, with Pastor Josh Swieringa officiating. Burial services will follow at the Munith Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

Donations in honor of Marilyn can be made to Jeruel Baptist Church or Munith United Methodist Church, both of Munith, MI.

Arrangement made by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Donald J. Bush

Donald Jay Bush, age 84, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on July 5, 2023.

Don was born on September 10, 1938 in Ypsilanti, MI to Howard Jr. and Caroline (Wilbur) Bush.

Don graduated from Belleville High School in 1957. On August 2, 1958, he married Rebecca L. (Slane). Soon after, they moved to the Chelsea area. For 30 plus years, he owned and operated his own business, Diversified Dimensional Deburring on Jackson Road. Later, he worked as an auditor for Macdee, Inc. in Chelsea, retiring in 2004.

Don and Becky raised their family in Chelsea and attended the First United Methodist Church. Don loved spending time outdoors. He enjoyed fishing and looked forward to his annual fishing trip to Oba Lake in Ontario, Canada with family and a close group of friends. He also enjoyed bowling. Most of all, Don loved his family and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife of nearly 65 years, Becky, and two sons, Howard (Tammy) Bush of Chelsea, and Ted Bush of Chelsea; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; his siblings: Diana Loshaw of Vanderbilt, MI, Micki (Denis) Howard of Boyne City, MI, Jane (Mike) Randolph of Loch Erin, MI, David Bush of Ypsilanti, Daniel (Trang) Bush of Seattle, WA, Irene Rolston of Oregon, and Marjorie (Richard) Pregitzer of California. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Jr., mother, Caroline, second mother, Audrey, daughter, Elizabeth A. Bush Riedel in 1998, a brother, Bill Bush, a sister, Mary (Bruce) Werner, and brother-in-law, Robert Loshaw.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private service will be held at a later date.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Don's name may do so to Chelsea Hospital.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Stanley E. Kebbe

Stanley Erickson Kebbe, of Dexter, MI, was born on July 18, 1941 in Redding, California, and he passed away at home in Dexter on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

Stan was the son of Stanley E. Kebbe and Anita (Erickson) Kebbe. Stan’s dad was a hydraulics engineer who built dams across the west, so Stan grew up on the move from California to Oregon to Wyoming to South Dakota to New York, where he graduated from Salmon River Central High School in Bombay, New York.

Stan served a hitch as an MP in the United States Army before graduating from Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in teaching industrial arts. After retiring from teaching, he had a second career in the tool department at Home Depot in Denver, Colorado.

In 2021, Stan moved to Dexter to be closer to his family. He is survived by his (twin) sister, Sandra Kebbe Hansen, and her husband, John, of Dexter, and his niece, Claire (Eric) Robinson of Chelsea, Michigan.

The family will conduct a private memorial service at a later date.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Richard F. Bachman

Richard F. Bachman, age 77, of Munith, MI, passed away on July 3, 2023 at his home. Richard was born on April 14, 1946 in Manchester, England, the son of Meril and Edith Bachman.

He had lived in the Munith area for the past 26 years, moving from Scio Twp. His family owned a dairy farm in Milan, MI, and he spent many years milking cows and taking care of the farm. He worked for Thetford as a Supervisor, retiring in 2010. He enjoyed antiquing and going to Las Vegas. For two years, he played soccer for Manchester United Football Club.

Richard is survived by his loving companion of 28 years, Charlene Fletcher, and two daughters, Jennifer Taylor Bachman of Ypsilanti, and Leslie (John) Reasoner of Munith; two grandchildren, Lyle Reasoner, and Rheagan (Jacob) Frey; and three great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Clayton, and Everleigh Frey; twin nieces, Rebecca and Sarah Moreton. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Norah Marie Callan on July 3, 2018, a sister, Sharon J. Moreton.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Sunday, July 9, 2023 from 3-6 p.m.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Eric Stricklin officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA).

Bruce L. Funston

Bruce L. Funston, age 80, formerly of Westland and Wyandotte, passed away on June 30, 2023 in Jackson, MI.

Bruce was born on September 28, 1942 in Wyandotte, MI, the son of Herbert L. and Margaret (Windett) Funston. He graduated from Michigan State University and worked for General Motors as a technical writer. He was an avid reader, and he enjoyed horticulture and working in his gardens.

He is survived by his son, Steven Funston of Pinckney, MI, and a sister, Eileen Houston of Lansing, MI. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann, his parents, and a brother.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place, and services will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cherry Hill Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Daniel V. "Danny" Belt

Daniel Vere Belt, age 29, of Jackson, MI, passed away on July 2, 2023. Danny was born on May 16, 1994 in Ann Arbor, MI the son of Brian L. and Christine A. (Lyszak) Belt. He grew up in the Stockbridge area and recently moved to Jackson.

Danny loved to spend time outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing, kayaking, or boating. He also enjoyed listening to music, playing video games, and his dogs. He loved his family and will be dearly missed by his parents, Brian and Christine Belt of Stockbridge, his sister, Callie M. Belt of Albion, his grandmother, Carol A. Lyszak of Highland, and grandfather, Floyd M. Belt of Port Huron, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was married to Beth Ann Belt.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, with Rev. Marilyn Mitchell officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10-11 a.m.

The family respectfully requests no ties.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Thomas L. Heeney

Thomas L. Heeney, age 82, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on July 2, 2023 at his home surrounded by family. He was born on October 15, 1940 in Jackson, MI to Lawton and Marcelline (Beck) Heeney.

Tom was a life-long resident and farmer in the Stockbridge community. He was a member of Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Church, where he served as sexton of the church cemetery for many years. He also drove truck for 30 years for Wyeth in Mason, MI. Tom raised dairy cows in his youth and pigs later in life. He also served as a 4-H leader for many years. He was also a member of MMPA. Tom loved farm life. He enjoyed taking care of the land and his many animals. He loved old tractors, all makes and models, and he also enjoyed going to the casino and the horse and dog tracks.

On September 17, 1960, he married Judy A. (Pahl) in Jackson, MI, and she survives. Also surviving are five children, Caroline Ransom of Stockbridge, Roseanne (Jeff) Adams of Pinckney, Barbara Webb of Stockbridge, Tommie (Shawn) Heeney of Munith, and Mark (Mary) Heeney of Orlando, FL; 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; a brother, Pat Heeney of Stockbridge; sisters, Mary Ellen Mosson of Jackson, Ann (Willis) Jackson of Stockbridge, sisters-in-law, Gloria Heeney and Juanita Heeney, both of Stockbridge, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Heeney, in 1988, and two brothers, William Heeney and Gerald Heeney, brother-in-law, Mike Mosson, sister-in-law, Karen Heeney.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Sts. Cornelius & Cyprian Catholic Church in Bunker Hill Twp. Burial will be at the church cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the church hall.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge on Monday, July 10, 2023 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends at the church on Tuesday, from 10-11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family would like contributions to be made to the Joe Heeney Scholarship c/o Stockbridge Community Schools. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Paul E. Prater

Paul E. Prater, age 87, of Jackson, MI, passed away on June 25, 2023 at University of Michigan Medicine Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI.

Paul was born on August 27, 1935 in Alger, Ohio to Toy and Agie (Watson) Prater. He grew up and attended school in Stockbridge, MI. Paul had lived in the Jackson area for over 50 years. He proudly served in the United States Army including a deployment to Korea. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Karen (Merle) Prater. Paul retired from Consumers Energy after 37 years of employment. Paul enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, flying airplanes, golfing, MSU Basketball and traveling to all 50 states.

Family was the most important part of Paul’s life. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Judy (Pete) Thomas of Stratford, Ontario, and Daryl Prater of Kalamazoo; three grandchildren, Ryan, Sophie, and Hailey; two sisters, Joan (Don) Herbst of Brighton, and Karen (Jerry) Keirnan of Howell; and cousin Ruth Craft. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Robert (Nadji) Prater.

Per his wishes, private family services were held. The family wishes to thank Dr. Sami Malek for his 18 years of exceptional care and the University of Michigan Medicine Hospital ICU staff for their compassionate and dedicated service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rogel Cancer Center/Cancer Research Fund - Malek 327549 at Michigan Medicine, disAbility Connections in Jackson, MI, or the organization of your choice.

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

Sr. Ann Francis Mahany, SA

Sr. Ann Francis Mahany, SA passed away on May 8, 2023 at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota after a recent illness. She was born Ann Bernice Mahany on July 31, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri. Her family later moved to

Santa Clara and then settled in San Jose, California. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Francis Michael Mahany and Rita Maxine Lovett Mahany, and her sister, Mary Mahany Costa (Manuel). She is survived by her three brothers,

Metropolitan Moses (John) Mahany, Thomas and Mark (Patty), as well as her many Franciscan Sisters. She is also survived by a niece, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and cousins from Missouri, California and Washington.

She graduated from Notre Dame Academy in San Jose, California, attended Lourdes College in Sylvania, Ohio, and received her BS in Art Therapy from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. In May of 2012, she received an Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the then Dominican Center for Religious Development.

She entered the Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement in Garrison, New York in November of 1975 and professed her First Vows on May 20, 1978. Her Final Profession of Vows was on August 11, 1984. She was missioned in Scotia, New York,

Assisi, Italy, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and Burlington, Vermont, and she served as Temporary Professed Directress. Summer assignments included Children’s Vacation House in Hull, Massachusetts and St. Cecelia’s Day Nursery in East Harlem, New York.

In August of 1995, Sr. Ann and Sr. Patricia Mary Hackett, SA, with the approval of their religious congregation began the process to co-found The Franciscan Project, Inc. in Detroit, Michigan which was incorporated in 1997. They opened The Discovery Learning Center, Children’s Organic Garden, Summer Enrichment Program for Children and Adult Computer Component.

The Sisters relocated to Chelsea, Michigan in 2008, at the invitation of V. Rev. William J. Turner, who welcomed them to St. Mary. Sr. Ann and Sr. Patricia Mary initiated the Martha/Mary Contemplative Outreach Ministry inclusive of the Lavender Grace Group for women, spiritual direction, hermitage opportunities, presentations, and retreat days. While at Mayo Clinic, she developed the groundwork for the new “Sisterhood of Women,” to be launched in September of 2023.

Sr. Ann was a joyful, reflective, and always approachable woman with a radiant smile that drew others to her. Her peace, compassion and empathy evidenced her beautiful contemplative spirit. She was a multi-gifted woman and artist who shared her gifts freely with others. She enjoyed music, creating beauty and learning new things. She was a faithful member of St. Mary Parish in Chelsea, Michigan.

She was cremated on May 9, 2023 in Rochester, Minnesota. Memorial Masses and a Celebration of Life will be held at Graymoor, Garrison, New York, and San Jose, California at a later date.

On July 22, 2023, a Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, Michigan at 10:00 a.m. with the V. Rev. (Canon) William J. Turner, PhD, KCHS, Pastor celebrating.

Interment will be in a family plot at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery in Santa Clara, California.

Donations in memory of Sr. Ann may be made to The Franciscan Project, Inc. P.O. Box 9, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

Willadean Miles

Willadean Miles, of Dexter, MI, age 85, passed away on June 28, 2023 at Legacy Assisted Living Center in Jackson, MI.

Willadean was born on January 23, 1938 in McArthur, OH, the daughter of Woodrow and Dollie (Hoskins) Gullett. She was raised in Chelsea, MI and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1956. After high school she worked at Federal Screw Works in Chelsea, State Farm Insurance in Ann Arbor, Fortune Industries for 12 years, Gelman Sciences in Ann Arbor for eight years, and Veridian Erim International in Ann Arbor for 15 years before retiring.

Willadean married David W. Miles on February 9, 1957 in Chelsea, MI, and he preceded her in death on December 13, 2021. She was a wonderful wife and mother, and she dearly loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by two children, Rex D. Miles and Lori (Stanley) Ashcraft; two grandchildren, Jayma (Bradley) Whitehead and Jerid Hollenbeck; and three great-grandchildren, Haley Joanne, Hannah Lynne, and Harper Katherine. In addition to her husband, David, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Michael Hollenbeck.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Faith Baptist Church in Chelsea, MI, with Pastor Adam Summers officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea, MI.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.