Judy Kay Armstrong

Judy K. Armstrong, age 72, of Laingsburg, MI, formerly of Gregory, MI, passed away on August 29, 2023 in Lansing, MI. Judy was born in Ann Arbor, MI on February 2, 1951 to Carl J. and Lillian (Allshouse) Sanderson. She married Charles D. Armstrong on March 3, 1973.

Judy and Chuck lived in Gregory, MI for over 40 years and recently moved to Laingsburg MI to be closer to their family. Judy was a dedicated administrative assistant at Beach Middle School for over 20 years. She was a member of First Congregational Church of Chelsea for many years. Judy had a passion for quilting, sewing, and crocheting. She loved to make quilts and blankets for her family and friends. She also enjoyed RVing and spending time with her grandchildren. Judy also spent many summers gardening and canning.

Judy is survived by her husband, Charles, and their three children, Aimee (Brian) Byars and Erin (Richard) Chelotti, all of Dewitt, and Bob (Christin) Armstrong of East Lansing; one brother, Larry (Judy) Sanderson, and one sister, Trudi (Brian) Whitley, all of Grass Lake; nine grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Judy was preceded in death by her parents.

A Memorial Service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Chelsea on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Barbara Edema officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., as well as at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church of Chelsea or the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (www. themmrf.org).

Shirley S. Adams

Shirley S. Adams, of Dexter, MI, age 88, passed away on August 7, 2023 after bravely battling dementia for several years. Shirley was born on September 3, 1934 in Queens, NY, the daughter of Raymond and Enid (Constant) Sherwood.

Shirley grew up in Manhasset, NY and attended Lasell College in Newton, MA. On May 10, 1958, she married Neil J. Adams of Chicago in Manhasset, NY. They lived in New York for several years before moving to Ann Arbor in 1962. Shirley worked as a medical secretary for several private practices in the area as well as Mott Children’s Hospital for many years. She also worked at the National Highway Safety Research Institute for several years. Raising a family in a fantastic Ann Arbor neighborhood, she was the classic “Kool-Aid Mom” to dozens of kids and was always there to support and provide the oft needed band-aid. Shirley and Neil remained close friends with families first met in 1962.

Shirley and Neil moved to and restored a farmhouse in Dexter in 1991, where she enjoyed gardening, quilting, needlework of many kinds and knitting. She was a talented seamstress who could sew anything. She and Neil traveled extensively in their motorhomes, covering most of the country. They also traveled internationally with trips to China and much of Europe. She enjoyed playing tennis into her late seventies and loved to watch her eight grandchildren play sports, rarely missing a game over 30 years. She loved spending time at the family cottage on Baseline Lake and enjoyed many full-family events. She was a 50+ year member of the First Congregational Church in Ann Arbor, and a longtime member of the Dexter Area Historical Society Guild, and enjoyed participating in activities in both. She went on a number of church mission trips to the south to help rebuild communities following hurricanes. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.

Shirley is survived by her husband of over 65 years, Neil; three children, James (Jill) Adams of Dexter, Robert (Kimberly) Adams of Pinckney and Sheri (Rick) Judkins of Ann Arbor as well as eight grandchildren: Christopher and Robert Adams, Ryan, Andrew, Michael, and Neil Adams, and Emily and Nicole Judkins.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor. A light lunch will follow.

Those wishing to make a contribution in Shirley's memory may do so to the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor or the Dexter Area Historical Society.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Robert J. "Bob" Hafstad

Robert "Bob" Hafstad, of Taylor, MI, age 81, passed away on August 23, 2023 at Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn, MI. Bob was born on September 18, 1941 in Cass County, North Dakota to Garrett and Bertha (Zimprich) Hafstad.

Bob married Jerrie (Lehnen) on November 7, 1975 in Westland, MI. Bob was a member of Faith Baptist Church for over four years. He had a strong faith and loved just chatting with the Lord. He loved singing when he was working, playing, or resting. He enjoyed working as a truck driver and doing training ride-alongs. Bob never met a stranger. He always could make anyone laugh. He was fun-loving man and most of all, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Bob will be missed by his wife and their children, Robert Allen (Katrina) Byrum, Karen (William) Castleman, Lori Jean (John) Whitaker, Kristen (Eric) Sielaff; 25 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren; sister, Kathleen Nanett Rice; brother, Thomas Garrett Hafstad. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Karen Kay Young; sisters, Joann Bretzlaff and Rosemary Garcia; brother-in-law, Lash Rice; sister-in-law, Claudia Hafstad.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, 1:00 p.m., at Faith Baptist Church, 4030 Kalmbach Road, Chelsea, with Pastor Adam Summers officiating. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Curtis R. Chillison

Curtis Richard Chillison, of Gregory, MI, age 76, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on August 21, 2023.

Curt was born on November 10, 1946 in Detroit, MI, the son of Oliver and Wilhelmina "Mina" (McGee) Chillison. He was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; sister, Judy (Michael) Fly of Nashville, TN; daughters, Michelle (Jamie) Lewis, Micki Chillison, Eileen-Young Bradley, Michelle (Thad) Kellenberger. He held a special place in his heart for his nephew, Joseph Fly. Curt will be greatly missed by his 12 grandchildren: Bradley, Ryan, Noah, Ava, Brian, Audrey, Ethan, Macy, Owen, Lauren, Natalie, and Alaina.

He was a 1964 Stockbridge High School graduate and went on to study at Jackson College, where he received his degree in science. Curt was a hard-working mason for over 40 years. He was a member of the B.A.C Union his entire career.

He loved sports, with Michigan football being his favorite. His other passion was his grandchildren. He loved watching the kids play their various sports and was a proud fan in the stands.

After you met Curt, you were never a stranger. He will be missed by many friends and family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Williamsville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Unadilla Firefighters Association.

Paul C. Sturgill

Paul Charles Sturgill, age 50, passed away on August 17, 2023 at his home in Munith, MI. Paul was born on November 22, 1972 in Jackson, MI, the son of Charles and Sandra (Dudeck) Sturgill.

Paul had lived in the Munith area his entire life, and he graduated from Stockbridge High School. He worked in construction for LiUNA Construction Laborers’ Local 499. Paul enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he loved his dog, Remington.

Paul is survived by his parents, Charles and Sandra Sturgill of Munith, and a brother, William Sturgill of Jackson. He was preceded in death by a twin infant brother, Charles Jr., his grandparents, Kenneth and Margaret Dudeck and Reese and Virgie Sturgill; as well as a sister-in-law, Roberta Sturgill.

The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10-11 a.m.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home with Pastor Eric Stricklin officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Henrietta Township, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Henrietta Twp. Library. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

David E. Tifft Sr.

David Edward Tifft Sr., age 79, of Munith, MI was born May 25, 1944 in Sturgis, MI, passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 in Jackson, MI and is now with his Savior, Jesus Christ.

David was a graduate of Jackson High School in 1963. After high school, he worked at the Ingham County Sheriff Department before becoming a plant manager at Kelsey-Hayes in Jackson, MI where he retired in 2001. David enjoyed his hobby of collecting things, with Coca-Cola being his largest collection that he even had a small local museum for it. He later sold his collection all over the world from his eBay shop. He also enjoyed hobbies such as bowling, golfing, and playing poker with friends; but he was happiest when spending time with his wife and family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack Borst and Natalie Tifft; his step-father, Donald Tifft; his wife, Karen Tifft; his siblings: Charles Borst, Sharon Grim, Bobby Tifft, Linda Deuble; and his brother-in-law and wife, William (Katherine) Stephens. He is survived by his children: David (Tammy) Tifft Jr., Mary (Gary) Sawyer; along with seven grandchildren: Andrew (Ashlee) Sawyer, Amanda (Chase) Perry, Kelsey Tifft, Kendal (Shawn) Savage, Bella Tifft, Heidi Tifft, and Jasmin Tifft; five great-grandchildren; as well as siblings: Brad (Laura) Tifft, Marsha (Charles) Reul.

David was a cherished husband of 55 years to his wife, Karen; a loving father to his children; and a wonderful grandpa, great-grandpa, son, brother, and uncle. He will forever be remembered and missed dearly by those who knew and loved him and the funny and wonderful memories he created.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to Highland Assisted Living & Memory Care, 1948 Cooper St., Jackson, MI 49202.

A funeral service will be at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, August 21, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12-1 p.m.

Joyce A. Steele

Joyce Ann Steele, 77, of Manchester, MI, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 14, 2023. She was born on March 4, 1946 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Eugene and Rose (Yekisa) Kaupp.

Joyce married John W. Steele Jr. on September 17, 1966 in Chelsea, Michigan. She will be remembered as a fashionable woman that loved to shop. Joyce was a graduate of Manchester High School in the class of 1964. She worked at Manchester Community Schools for many years in the food service department. Joyce loved to travel and was also a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her house was always well-decorated for the seasons and was once a part of the Manchester Christmas Parade and Holiday Celebration. Joyce will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Joyce will be missed by her husband of 56 years, John W. Steele Jr.; her children, Terry (Lynda) Steele, Tammy (Kevin) Wright, and Tara (Kelly) Jedele; sister, Janice Weiss Stoll; grandchildren, Stephanie (Jackson) Myers, Brandon Steele, Connor, Madison, and Miranda Wright, and Jordan and Katie Jedele; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Rose Kaupp.

Joyce’s family and friends will gather at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., as well as Thursday, August 17, 2023 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, August 17, 2023, 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Eugene Blair officiating.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Arbor Hospice or Faith in Action.

Please leave a message of comfort for Joyce’s family.

David B. Steinbach

David Blake Steinbach of North Lake, Michigan, age 64, passed away on August 9, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. Dave was born on May 5, 1959 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Ray and Alice (Bregger) Steinbach. He grew up in Chelsea, Michigan and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1977.

Dave attended Northern Michigan University and then joined the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Nuclear Reactor Operator on the U.S.S. Omaha based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On September 7, 1984, Dave married the love of his life, Shannon Springer, and while still serving in the Navy, son Sean and daughter Tracy were born. After leaving the Navy, Dave and Shannon returned to Michigan, and Dave started working at the University of Michigan, where he was employed at the College of Engineering supporting classroom technology for over 34 years.

Dave’s true passions were family, the outdoors, and University of Michigan sports. He loved anything to do with hunting, fishing, and conservation. Dave was a hunter safety instructor and an active member of the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club, where he served in a number of positions, including president. He also helped start and was an active instructor of the youth shooting group since 2002. Dave also served in many positions of leadership with the local, state, and national chapters of Ducks Unlimited, Inc., where his involvement and contributions will serve the organization for years to come.

Dave loved to entertain, host gatherings, and make others happy. From his famous wild game meals, to fund-raising dinners, to his annual North Lake Fireworks celebration, Dave’s gift was bringing people together. One of Dave’s favorite places to get away to was Murph’s Camp in the Upper Peninsula, where he spent the opening week of deer season for over 30 years. The camp was also the location for relaxing and enjoying time with family and friends throughout the year.

Dave is survived by his wife, Shannon (Springer); son, Sean Steinbach; daughter, Tracy Steinbach; brother, Vic (Shari) Steinbach; mother-in-law, Sallie Springer; sisters-in-law, Sherrie Springer and Shelly (Curt) Kessler; and many nieces and nephews who affectionately called Dave “Uncle Buck.”

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Alice Steinbach, and father-in-law, Sheridan Springer. Dave’s life was enriched by all the friendships he made over the years and he will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, on Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. with a reception to follow at the Chelsea Rod & Gun Club, 7103 Lingane Rd., Chelsea.

Those wishing to make a contribution in Dave’s memory may do so to the Chelsea Rod & Gun Club or Western Washtenaw Ducks Unlimited.

Irene Ida Naegeli

Irene Ida (Blaser) Naegeli, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023 at the age of 96. She was born on February 3, 1927 in Basel, Switzerland, the daughter of Gottfried and Katharina (Weber) Blaser. Irene had lived most recently at Silver Maples of Chelsea, Michigan for the past ten years, spending many years previous to that in Harbor Springs, Michigan.

Born, raised and educated in her home country of Switzerland, Irene then transitioned into a truly fascinating adult life that included many highlights such as - working for the Swiss Foreign Office inBelgrade, Yugoslavia; meeting her future husband skiing in the Swiss Alps; emigrating alone to the USA in 1956; marrying Edward Naegeli in Michigan in 1957; obtaining US citizenship in 1963; raising their five children; living in Germany and England with the family from 1973 – ‘87 while Edward served international assignments there for General Motors; and traveling much of the World upon his retirement. Hobbies and interests included nature and the outdoors, traveling, sewing and knitting, listening to music, golf and, above all, her family. Amazingly, in her early seventies, she quickly developed into a prolific producer of art. In her later homes, she was able to surround herself with her own stunning creations. She was interesting, interested and lived a life highlighted by positive attitude, good spirits, love, and gratitude.

Irene is survived by her five children, Esther (William) Durnwald of Portland, Michigan; Markus (Susan) Naegeli of Kokomo, Indiana; Christopher (Virginia) Naegeli of Franklin, Michigan; Monika (Bridget Benshetler) Naegeli of Snow Hill, Maryland; Lilian (James) Anderson of Ann Arbor, Michigan; her sister, Margrit Rochat of Evilard, Switzerland, thirteen grandchildren (Brigitte, William, Henry, Kaleb, Anna, Kira, Leah, Christina, Jakob, EmmaJane, Samuel, Gabriela and Christofer) and eight great grandchildren (Irene, Liam, Emma, Olivia, Desmond, Heidi, Nora and Luke). She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward (2017) and her two brothers, Freddy and Werner.

In lieu of flowers, donations in the memory of Irene Naegeli may be made to Faith In Action, a community funded assistance and resource center in Chelsea Faith In Action - Make a Donation (faithinaction1.org)

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, 1:30 p.m., at Silver Maples of Chelsea.

Rodger I. Stewart

Rodger Ira Stewart, of Grass Lake, MI, age 66, passed away on August 8, 2023 in Chelsea, MI.

Rodger was born on February 26, 1957, the son of Harold and Virginia (Peck) Stewart. He had lived in the Chelsea area most of his life, graduating from Chelsea High School in 1975. On June 30, 1979, he married Anita A. (Harat) in Chelsea, MI. He was self-employed as a mason for many years. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, deer hunting and fishing. He loved watching a good Western or Army movie.

In addition to his wife, Anita, he is survived by two children, Cory (Hannah) Stewart of Chelsea, and Jesse (Kelly) Stewart of St. Clair Shores; four grandchildren, Cameron, Riley, Jenna, and Allison; his siblings, Ralph Stewart, Richard Stewart, and Brenda (David) Smyth, all of Grass Lake; Sharon Anteau and Leona Ingram; sister-in-law, Monica Maurer of Grass Lake, and brother-in-law, Bruce Dygert of Jackson. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, from 4-6 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.