Carol Frances Hardesty

Carol Frances Hardesty, of Stockbridge, Michigan passed away at her home surrounded by her family at the age of 76.

She was born the daughter of Ernest A. and Frances M. (Moore) Sohoza on January 12, 1947.  On August 9, 1974, she married Michael G. Hardesty, and he survives.  Carol was a member of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Church and attended there for many years. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Carol enjoyed going for rides on her husband's motorcycle. She loved going for walks outdoors and raising her children. 

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Michelle Hardesty-Cox, Christine Curtis, Sandra (Jason) Cox, Jonathan (Jaime) Hardesty, Matthew (Robyn) Hardesty; nine grandchildren: Jade, Angel, Kelsie, Matt, Grace, Zak, Ella, Adalyn, and Josh; and six great-grandchildren, RiCarielle, Brooklyn, Jaylaa, Blake, Kaleb, and Allie. Also surviving are her siblings, Teresa (Robert) Allen, Irene Sloan, Yvonne (Ron) Sloan, Andrew Sohoza, Edward Sohoza, and Matthew Sohoza; sisters-in-law, Sharon Sohoza and Brenda Sohoza.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Tim and Phillip Sohoza.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Church in Bunker Hill Twp. on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Kusitino Cobona officiating.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Saints Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Church.

Larry Lee Arnett

Larry Lee Arnett, of Leslie, MI, passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 after a battle with a long-term illness. He was 75 years old.

Larry was born November 3, 1947 in Stockbridge, Michigan to Ernest and Beatrice (Marshall) Arnett. After graduating from Stockbridge High School, he held many unconventional jobs; he was a Hostess delivery driver, a Hickory Ridge milkman and a car salesman, all before purchasing the Wooden Nickel Saloon in Dansville with his ex-wife (and friend), Carol. He also owned “Crazy Larry’s” catering, providing food and service for many weddings, funerals, fundraisers, and other events in the area. He retired in 2018 after 40+ years of serving and employing people from all over mid-Michigan.

Larry was very much a people person, full of many interesting stories he loved to tell. It was guaranteed he would see a familiar face while running errands, as there were very few people he didn’t know. He had a way of making everyone feel like his best friend, even if it was their first encounter, and always had a funny one-liner or joke up his sleeve. A man with a heart of gold, he was willing to give anyone the shirt off his back without asking for anything in return, making him a beloved member of the community.

Larry enjoyed a good game of golf, bantering about Michigan State sports, reminiscing about his old cars, and singing the occasional Conway Twitty or Elvis karaoke song, but his greatest accomplishment in life was his family. No matter how busy he was, he would drop everything to make time for them, and even traveled all over the country in his motorhome to attend their graduations and weddings. He was also quite the dog lover and had many throughout the years, all of whom were always by his side.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Ernest, in 1950, his brother, Bobby, in 1962, his son, Brad, in 1994, his mother, Beatrice, in 1999, his brother, John, in 2013, his mother-in-law, Christine, in 2016 and his sister, Kay, in 2019.

Larry is survived by his wife, Glenna, his daughters, Gwen (Brian), Shelly and Casey (Dan), his grandchildren, Megan (Jordan), Doug (Maddie), Max (Amanda), Rylee (Bryan) and Chandler, his great-grandchildren, Bradley and Sophia, his father-in-law, Glen, plus many other wonderful extended family members. There is one special person that deserves a shout out: KC Weldon, who was like a son to Larry and always had his back, be it day or night. You are one in a million.

There will be no funeral service, but there will be a celebration of life for family and friends on Sunday, October 15th, from 1PM to 4PM at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 835 High St, Williamston. Make sure to bring your best memories!

Donations can be made to the Roscommon County Commission on Aging - Serenity Day Lodge, 1015 Short Dr, Prudenville, MI 48651 or Ingham County Animal Control & Shelter.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Corey L. Mata

Corey Lee Mata, age 34, formerly of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on September 19, 2023 in Henning, TN. Corey was born on February 3, 1989 in Stockbridge, and he was raised by Elipio and Bernice Mata. In his younger years, he enjoyed spending time outside and fishing with his dad.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2023 from 6-8 p.m.at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI. Private burial will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Deborah Sue Wright

Deborah Sue Wright, of Grass Lake, MI, age 71, passed away on September 30, 2023 surrounded by family. Deborah was born in Ann Arbor, MI on August 21, 1952.

She had lived in Waterloo for the past 40 years. Deb graduated from Pioneer High School and then worked as an administrative assistant for Johnson Controls in Plymouth for 30 years. She enjoyed gardening and canning. She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed sewing and quilting. She also enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and loved playing cornhole tournaments.

Deb is survived by a daughter, Kyle Murphy of Riverview, MI, and son, Neil Klink of Waterloo; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; her loving companion, John Parker; and a sister-in-law, Carol Mulholland of Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Doris Mulholland, and siblings: Norman Mulholland, Neil Mulholland, and Kitty Dally.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Herbert J. McKune American Legion Post 31.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home. 

Arthur W. Tremper, DVM

Arthur W. Tremper, DVM, of Chelsea, MI, age 79, passed away on September 29, 2023 at his home with his wife by his side. He was born on October 24, 1943 in West Orange, NJ, the son of Horace and Mary Francis (Dupont) Tremper.

Art had lived in the Chelsea area for over 50 years. He was a long-time veterinarian and partner at Lane Animal Hospital, caring for small and large animals. He specialized in large animals, preferring the Holsteins, and he cared for animals on family farms in the area for many generations. He earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University, graduating in December 1967. He joined the practice with Dr. Wilfred Lane in January 1968, eventually retiring in 2019. He knew he wanted to be a veterinarian in junior high when he worked in the kennels of a local vet. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in June 1960.

On October 9, 1970, he married Lee S. (Spaulding) of Chelsea, Michigan, where they raised their children. Art enjoyed spending time outside. He loved vacations at the Jersey Shore with his family and sailing on Windjammer tall ships in the Caribbean. He enjoyed gardening, canning and freezing, especially making pepper and corn relishes. He was a craftsman and enjoyed woodworking, including making furniture and re-caning antique chairs. Art was an avid fan of MSU football and basketball.

Surviving are his wife, Lee S. Tremper, three children, Cory (Bill) Belote of Saline, Michael Tremper of Wyoming, MI, and Karl Tremper (Amy Whitaker) of Jackson, MI; three grandchildren, Liam, Ev, and Owen; Samantha and Savannah Whitaker who were dear to his heart; his siblings: Howard (Carol) Tremper of New Jersey, Elaine (Andre) Butkewitsch of New Jersey, Nancy (David) Quinn of Florida, and Suzanne Ewing of Florida; and his yellow lab, Shelby.

Preceded in death were his parents, Hobby and Francis Tremper, and brother-in-law, Scott Ewing.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 5-8 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Burial will follow at Vermont Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at Inverness Country Club following the burial.

Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice, the Humane Society of Huron Valley, or the St. Louis Center.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Joyce Dietle

Juanita “Joyce” (Hughes) Dietle, of Chelsea, MI, age 92, went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on Friday, September 29, 2023. She passed peacefully from natural causes in Canal Fulton, OH.

Joyce was born on November 20, 1930 in Dexter, MI. Growing up in Chelsea, her experience was rich in what people remember as the “old” Chelsea. This was an era when indoor plumbing, electricity, phones, and cars were a luxury! Joyce graduated from Chelsea High School located on Park Street in 1949. She was very involved in school, as she was on the basketball and tennis teams, and she loved journalism, French Club, and “sock hops” midday dances. It was all about bobbie socks and saddle shoes! High school choir and singing with her two besties, Joanne O’Dell and Mae Slane, these were some of her favorite memories.

She worked after school selling tickets at Chelsea’s Princess Theatre (now the Ugly Dog Distillery) and became good friends with the owners, the Wolverton’s. She loved to recall watching the epic film Gone With The Wind in this movie theater, where she also helped to sell war bonds/stamps in the movie line. She loved working at the Chelsea Drugstore (now Zou Zou’s Cafe), complete with a soda fountain with real cherry and vanilla cokes, and for a time she also worked at Chelsea State Bank. Joyce was an avid reader and had an extensive book collection and movie posters. She also loved collecting plates from all over the world.

Joyce married Marion L. “Diet” Dietle on April 7, 1950, and they raised their family in Chelsea. While her children were little, she had her own licensed “babysitting” business. Her other careers included working at Argus Camera in Ann Arbor, Higbee’s department store in Illinois, selling fine jewelry at Kaufman’s (Ohio) with her sister, Joan. Eventually she bought a business in Ohio in the 1980s, where she worked with her husband and sons before retiring to Florida in 1989. In 2001, she returned to Michigan to work at Chelsea’s first Dollar Store, where she worked with her good friend, Jill Seitz. Joyce loved her kids and grandkids, really all kids. She taught Sunday School for many years, and she also sang with church choirs at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chelsea and Church of the Lakes in Canton, OH. She loved to travel internationally with her good friend, Arden Tuttle. She was also involved with the League of Women Voters of Michigan, the Child Study Club (also known as Modern Mothers), and the Rebekahs.

Joyce is survived by her children, Kirk (Melanie) Dietle of Massillon, OH, Leslie (Joe) Olivarez of Chelsea, and Lawrence (Jill) Dietle of Canton, OH; four grandchildren, Adam (Brenda) Hillman of Chelsea, Skye Hillman of Nashville, TN, and Chelsea and Leah Dietle of Canton, OH; one great-grandchild, Aubrey Hillman; her sisters, Jackie (Hughes) Lohrer of Harrison Twp, MI and Sharon (Slane) Fletcher of Grass Lake, MI; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Dietle; her parents, Viola (Jones) Hughes and Stephen Slane; her sisters, Joan (Hughes) McDermitt, and Beverly (Hughes) Bishop, and a grandson, Dustin Dietle.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Pastor Mark Hendricks officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. as well as on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

She will be laid to rest with her husband at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Harvest Church or the Herbert J. McKune American Legion Post 31.

Jeanne D. Stock

Jeanne D. Stock, age 90, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on September 28, 2023 in Jackson, MI.

Jeanne was born on August 27, 1933 in Fairmont, WV to Pierre and Gladys Deleruyelle. She married Thomas O. Stock on August 30, 1952, and they were married for 68 years until he passed in 2020.

Tom and Jeanne moved to the Chelsea area in the early 60's where they raised their family. Together they owned and operated Village Motor Sales in Chelsea from 1971-2001. Jeanne was a very smart and respected woman in the Chelsea community. She graduated from Eastern Michigan with her Master's Degree in Literary Science and helped many students over the years at Washtenaw Community College as well as Chelsea High School. She enjoyed reading, classical and jazz music, and she loved to sing. She also enjoyed baking and cooking. Most of all she dearly loved her family and was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Jeanne is survived by three children, David Stock of Colorado, James (Donna) Stock of Chelsea, and Ann (Steve) Stock-Smyth of Grass Lake; eight grandchildren: Rachel, William, Lauren, Sara, Erin, Alexander, Elizabeth, and Hanna; five great-grandchildren: Alayna, Thomas, Emily, Carolina, and Lilyana; and a brother, Steven Deleruyelle. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas O. Stock, a daughter, Susan J. Stock-Campbell, a son, Thomas R. Stock, and her siblings: Milly Rooney, Richard Deleruyelle, James Deleruyelle, Thomas Deleruyelle, Kathy Vogler, and Judy Deleruyelle.

All services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action of Chelsea, the St. Louis Center, or the Pious Union of St. Joseph in Grass Lake.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Lila F. Long

Lila Fern Long, of Stockbridge, MI, age 85, passed away peacefully at her home on September 27, 2023. Lila was born in Stockbridge, MI on July 28, 1938, the daughter of Neil Oakley and Roberta White.

Lila lived in the Stockbridge area all her life. She married Lawrence G. Long, and they raised their family in Stockbridge. She worked for Thetford in Dexter, MI, retiring after 30 years of service. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and making sure that they were well fed. She always kept busy cooking and cleaning. She also enjoyed gardening, fishing, and watching wildlife, especially the deer and the birds.

She is survived by her children, Jerry (Jennell) Long and Jimmy Long, all of Stockbridge, and Joey (Susie) Long of Chelsea; a sister, Joyce Fletcher of Stockbridge; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Lawrence, a brother, Robert Oakley, four sisters, Betty Reynolds, Joan Strahan, Bonnie Patrick, and Janet Nott; and a great-grandson, Griffin Marshall.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, with Pastor Jeff Howard officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, September 29, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., as well as on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice or S.A.E.S.A.

Sherry J. Hutchins

Sherry Jean Hutchins, age 80, of Chelsea, MI, formerly of Ann Arbor, MI, passed away on September 23, 2023 at the Chelsea Retirement Community.

Sherry was born on June 18, 1943 in Hillsdale, MI, the daughter of David R. and Gertrude (Burger) Cole. She married Tommie Wayne Hutchins on September 8, 1962, and he survives. Also surviving are her two children, Timothy Hutchins of Pinckney, and Kimberly (Jeffrey) Felton of Chelsea; four grandchildren: Nicholas, Lucas, and Jarod Felton, and Sophia Hutchins; her twin brother, Terry (Yvonne) Cole of Concord, MI, and a sister, Sandee Sawdey of Kentucky; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a nephew, Jason Cole.

Sherry had lived in Ann Arbor for many years. She and Tommie moved to the Chelsea Retirement Community six years ago to be closer to family. Sherry enjoyed bowling, playing softball, and traveling. She enjoyed the many cruises she took with her husband, brother, and sister-in-law. Her favorite role was that of grandmother. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the caring staff at the Chelsea Retirement Community and Arbor Hospice.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at the Chelsea Retirement Community Main Chapel, where friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A luncheon will follow the service at the IBEW Local 252 Union Hall, 7920 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Retirement Community-Towsley Village, or the Alzheimer's Association.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Joan I. Hoffman

Joan I. Hoffman, of Pleasant Lake, MI, age 85, passed away on September 21, 2023 in Jackson, MI.

Joan was born on May 28, 1938 in Evart, MI, the daughter of Stanley and Evelyn (Phelps) Irish. Joan was an elementary teacher from 1960-1968. She received her Master's Degree and then served as an Assistant Professor at Eastern Michigan University in the Biology Department from 1970-1974. She married Ronald H. Hoffman on August 3, 1974 at St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grass Lake, where she was a faithful member for 49 years.

Joan loved the outdoors, whether it was hiking or bird watching. She had a special interest in Sandhill Cranes, and she enjoyed writing articles throughout her career, writing for several Audubon groups in the area. She also published the Addison Newsletter from 1993-2005, and Our Addison Kids in 1996, and presented at the International Addison Conference in Oslo, Norway in 1996. In 2001, she co-authored the anniversary book for St. Jacob Evangelical Church. She was a charter member of the Leslie Area Historical Society and a staff member of the Leslie Area Historical Museum. Besides being a museum guide, she was a curator of the Holling Collection, served as a historian for the Historical Society, and published the Holling Collection News from 2000-2010.

Most of all, Joan loved her family. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. In addition to her husband, Ron, Joan is survived by a daughter, Amy (Justin) Hamilton of Farmington Hills, one grandson, Alex Hamilton; and a brother, Dean (Dianne) Irish of East Lansing. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Janet Poole.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the caring staff at Vista Grande Villa, especially April and Heather, and Careline Hospice, especially Tammy and Mary.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023,11:00 a.m., at St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grass Lake, MI. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jacob Lutheran Church, the Leslie Area Historical Society, or the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements by Caskey-Funeral Home, Stockbridge.