John C. Michael

John Calvin Michael, age 91, passed away on November 14, 2023 in Jackson MI. John was born on March 04, 1932 in Rivesville, West Virginia to Paul O. and Ruby E. (Linn) Michael.

After graduating from Rivesville High School in West Virginia, he joined the Air Force at age 19. He served from 1951 to 1955 and was stationed in Japan. John worked on C-36 cargo planes, specializing in electrical systems.

From the service John went on to college at Fairmont State for his degree in industrial arts. He later married Shirley Dawn Glover on September 1, 1956 and started his career as a Technical Illustrator. John had several positions with U.S. government contractors including Sperry Piedmont - Submarines in Charlottesville, Virginia, Bendix Aerospace in Ann Arbor Michigan, Northern Telecom also in Ann Arbor Michigan and Williams in Walled Lake Michigan.

John and Shirley started a family and had two children. Together they built their own home in Saline, Michigan. They were active in the Saline United Methodist Church.

John was an avid model airplane builder, often working from his own drawings - an Xacto knife and a ruler were the tools most favored for his precision designs. John was a handy guy and mechanically inclined. Much to all of our amazement - he could fix anything. John was a gardener, and a car enthusiast.

John is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley Dawn (Glover) Michael, his two children Debra Lynn (Mark) Drow and Daniel Lee (Sandy) Michael. Grandchildren: Anna Herbert (Brandon) of Jackson, Michigan, Alaina Drow of Chelsea, Michigan, Austin Michael of West Palm, Florida, and Addison Michael of Jersey City, New Jersey. Great grandchildren: Zoey Lea Herbert and Dax Michael Herbert. John also is survived by his sister Ramona Shafer of Cary, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his sister Janice Bondy of Rocky River, Ohio, and his beloved granddaughter Jillian Lea Drow of Chelsea, Michigan.

A gathering of friends and family will take place at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Sunday, November 19, 2023 from 2-4 p.m. A brief time of sharing will take place at 4p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jillian Lea Drow Fund via the Chelsea Education Foundation P.O. Box 281, Chelsea, MI 48118.

Roberta M. Hill

Roberta M. Hill, of Dexter, MI passed away unexpectedly at her home on November 5, 2023. She was born the daughter of Reginald and Ida (Cochran) Marshall on June 10, 1957 in Royal Oak, Michigan.

On August 5, 1989 she married Bradford A. Hill, and he survives. Roberta was a city girl and loved the city life until she moved to Dexter. She immediately fell in love with the property and always bragged about her builder, which happened to be her husband, Brad.

She traveled extensively for work as a software engineer and with one job traveled over 200,000 miles. She also traveled with Brad on many cruises and over to England, where she studied and watched the Royal family for many years. She was an animal lover and loved all their dogs except Brad's dog, Sheba. Roberta and Brad were Michigan State Alumni and  attended a class reunion just weeks before her death. She loved music, especially going to Neil Diamond concerts.  

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sisters, Sue (Andy) Gouldsbury, Elizabeth Marshall, many cousins, and her dog, Korie. 

A memorial service will take place at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Kathy Schell officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Waggin' Tails Dog Rescue.

Heriknaz Nakas

Heriknaz Nakas, age 86, of Ypsilanti, MI, passed away on November 7, 2023 at her home.

Heriknaz was born on July 15, 1937 in Sivas, Turkey the daughter of Manuk and Zabel Tokpinar. She immigrated to the United States from Turkey, moving to Washtenaw County in 1980. She loved to cook and enjoyed entertaining and having people over. She also worked as a seamstress for many years at Men's Warehouse. Most of all she loved her family. She was a humble woman and loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother.

Heriknaz married Kevork Nakas in Turkey, and he preceded her in death in 2011. Surviving are five children, Veron (Sarkis) Kiraz of Ypsilanti, Ojen (Vahan) Ahrun of Ann Arbor, Rudy Nakas of Howell, Iskender (Jerri) Nakas of Brighton, and Tabita (Sahin) Ozkaya of Ann Arbor; nine grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; four sisters, Arsalus Durmazguler of Ann Arbor, Azat Uzuncan of Ann Arbor, Vercanik Mendik of Dexter, and Yercanik (Manuel) Hirachian of Saline. In addition to her husband, Kevork, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Senekerin Tokpinar and Agacan Tokpinar, and two sisters, Haygan Bedoglu and Paris Susluoglu.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 13, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Ann Arbor. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Elizabeth Ann Townsend

Elizabeth Ann Townsend, of Dansville, Michigan, passed away at the Vista Springs Majestic Bliss Assisted Living Center and Memory Care Facility in Lansing, MI at the age 82.

She was born the daughter of Norman D. and Ellen (Johnson) Jacobs on June 13, 1941 in Stockbridge, Michigan. On November 29, 1958, she married Leland H. Townsend, and he preceded her in death in 2014. Elizabeth enjoyed crocheting and tatting. She was a member of the Millville United Methodist Church.  

Elizabeth is survived by her children, Jeff (Denise) Townsend, Brad (Janet) Townsend,  Dawn Bostic, and Warren (Angelia) Townsend. Also surviving are her eight grandchildren, Jamie (Dean) Bloom,  Megan Townsend, Melissa Townsend, Katherine Townsend, Ashley Townsend, Julie (Michael)  DeLillo,  Jacob (Kelsey) Townsend, and Frances Miller; and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Marie Stanfield, Norman D. Jacobs, Eleanor (Dave Shearing) Jacobs,  and Kevin (Cindy) Jacobs.   In addition to her husband, Leland, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Dick Stanfield.

Per her wishes cremation has taken place, and a private service and burial will take place at a later date.  

Seize the day and live, laugh, love at the end.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Barbara Grace Edridge

Barbara Grace Edridge, age 97, passed away on October 31, 2023 in Brighton, MI. Barbara was born on January 20, 1926 in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Sylvester and Mary Alma (Kavanagh) Kennedy. She graduated from St. Mary Catholic School in Detroit in 1945. 

Barbara married Herbert Edridge on July 25, 1958, and he preceded her in death on June 11, 2023. Barbara loved to travel. Together with her husband, family and friends she went on over 100 cruises. She traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean Islands. She loved being on the water. In her younger days, she worked as a bookkeeper, nurse’s aide and cook on a superyacht which her husband captained. Barbara and Herbert were snowbirds, having had homes in Welaka and Eustis Florida, and Pontiac, Michigan. She was a gracious host on their boat, Lady Bea, where she enjoyed entertaining friends and family. She loved to watch her TV programs and was faithful to The Young and the Restless for over 50 years. She was also an avid reader and liked listening to books on tape. 

Barbara is survived by a sister, Mary Anne (Russ) Kraft, nieces and nephews: Judith (Mark) Westerberg, Aileen Jacobs, Eileen Ward, and Sandra (Lance) Hudnell, Paul Frederick and Patrick (Stacy) McGee; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Preceded in death by her sisters Mary Joan (Tom) McGee, Maureen Kennedy and niece Gail Babb. The family would like to thank Barbara’s caregivers over these last few months for their supportive care. 

Remembrances can be made through donations to the National Shrine of St Jude, Chicago, Illinois.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pinckney on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.  She will be laid to rest at a later date at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI. 

Kathleen Salyer

Kathleen Salyer, age 94, formerly of Chelsea and Stockbridge, passed away on November 1, 2023 at Sacred Heart Nursing Home in Gregory, MI. Kathleen was born on October 27, 1929 in Magoffin County, KY, the daughter of Sheridan and Rebecca (Risner) Marshall. Kathleen had lived in Chelsea for many years, and she worked for Chelsea Milling Company in the packaging department for 22 years. She later moved to the Stockbridge area to be closer to family. She enjoyed going to church and attended the Highest Praise Worship Center in Stockbridge. She also enjoyed sewing and quilting. On September 25, 1947, she married Charles E. "Buck" Salyer, and he preceded her in death in 1987.

Kathleen is survived by her son, Danny (Phyllis) Salyer of Stockbridge, son-in-law, Jack Baum; a sister, Opal Risner of Plainwell, and brother, Ellis (Markeen) Marshall of Plainwell; eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by two daughters, Barbara Allen and Lorraine Baum, and a son, Robert Salyer.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, November 4, 2023, 2:30 p.m., Charlotte Craft with officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mackinder Glenn American Legion Post #510. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Patricia J. Trinkle

Patricia J. Trinkle, age 89, formerly of Dexter, passed away on October 30, 2023 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. She had lived in the Dexter area for nearly 80 years.

Pat was born on February 4, 1934 in Carleton, MI to Walter and Alice (Grundman) Miles. Pat grew up in Dexter and graduated from Dexter High School in 1952. She married Charles W. Trinkle on June 5, 1954, and they lived on a farm in Dexter, where they raised their family. Pat was an active member of the Dexter Gospel Church, and she was the longest attending member of the church. She was also past president of Dexter Jaycettes and was a member of the Washtenaw Co. Farm Bureau. In 1969, Pat was one of the first secretaries at the Chelsea Family Practice Medical Center. After that she worked for the University of Michigan College of Engineering, helping students for many years register for classes and keep them on track with their credits.

Pat is survived by her children: Cheryl (Luther) Haab of Chelsea, Donald Trinkle of Whitmore Lake, and Duane (Linda) Trinkle of Dexter; ten grandchildren: Nancy (Scott) Brown, Carl (Alyssa) Trinkle, Michael (Amanda) Pidd, Steven (Bridgette) Trinkle, Kristie Jo (Ben) O'Neill, Brandon Trinkle (Cathy Schulz), Sarah Trinkle, Ashlee (Jonathan) Reese, Mark Trinkle, and Amber Trinkle (Jesse Asbel); ten great-grandchildren; and a brother, Roy Miles of Morrice. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck, a daughter, Joyce Marie Trinkle, a son, Darroll Trinkle, and her brother, David Miles.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023,11:00 a.m., at the Dexter Gospel Church in Dexter, MI, with Pastor Dan Robelen officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Dexter.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Senior Center or Dexter Gospel Church. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Thomas "Skip" Broughton

Thomas “Skip” Franklin Broughton, age 75, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on October 29, 2023 from myelofibrosis. Tom was born in Detroit, MI, to Frank and Audrey Broughton and had a childhood filled with many outdoor adventures, developing a passion for hunting and fishing in Northern Michigan.

After graduating from Belleville High School, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. While home on leave, Tom’s sister Kathy introduced him to his lifelong love, Roberta, and they were married on June 18, 1971 in Germany. Some of Tom’s most cherished memories were from their honeymoon as they traveled throughout Europe. After returning to Michigan, Tom settled in Chelsea, where he began Broughton Construction, taking great pride in helping families build and remodel quality homes throughout the area.

Tom and Roberta raised three daughters in the Chelsea home that Tom lovingly rebuilt. Tom was a true outdoorsman and loved to spend time hunting, taking any (and all) measures necessary to chase down the perfect buck each year. When not hunting, Tom could be found spending time with family and friends, cracking jokes to try to make someone laugh. Tom enjoyed breaking bread with family and friends and loved Roberta’s lasagna and banana cream pie, his mom’s breakfast, Ryan’s mac and cheese, Jim’s macaroni salad, and so many others. Every week Tom could loyally be found at the Chelsea Farmer’s Market, gathering ingredients for the next dish he was going to concoct.

Tom is survived by his dear wife of 52 years, Roberta, his peanut gallery daughters, Melanie (Alan) Steinhauser of Warren, Stephanie (Ryan Ely) Broughton of Belleville, and Alicia (Gary) Norman of Fort Wayne, IN; his loved grandchildren, Anna, Madeline and Meredith Steinhauser, and Grady Norman; and his mother, Audrey Broughton.

Tom is also survived by his siblings, Linda Broughton of Cape Coral, FL, Kathy DeCormier of Norton Shores, James (Peggy) Broughton of Whittemore, Deborah Broughton of Flushing, and Sharon Broughton of Belleville, along with many close nieces and nephews. Tom is preceded in death by his father, Frank Broughton, and his nephew, Steve Broughton.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 1-2 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, with a service at 2:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life at the Chelsea Depot will follow the service. The family is encouraging those that knew Tom to bring a memory or photo to share.

The family would like to thank the team at Hematology and Infusion at the Ann Arbor VA Hospital for providing the most excellent care and support.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family is requesting that you please take time to share a good meal and laughter with your family and friends, as Tom loved to do.

Tom will always hold a place in our hearts.

Mary Ellen Ramsdell

Mary Ellen (Knott) Ramsdell, of Stockbridge, age 81, passed away on October 25, 2023 at Provision Living of Canton. She was born on September 26, 1942 in Ann Arbor, Michigan the daughter of Hubert and Ellen L. (Smith) Knott.

She spent the first five years of her life in Munith, before moving to Stockbridge for five years, and then moving to a dairy farm in Munith. She won a blue ribbon for her cow, Phyllis, at the Ingham County Fair. Mary Ellen graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1960 as the Valedictorian of her class. In high school, she was active in band, glee club, debate, yearbook, Girls State, and she won the Betty Crocker Homemaker Award.

Mary Ellen graduated from the University of Michigan in 1963 and promptly went to work as a teacher at Ypsilanti High School, followed by Lamphere High School in Madison Heights, before raising her children and becoming a full time parent. As the kids reached high school age, Mary Ellen returned to teaching at New Haven High School, where she taught English and French.

Mary Ellen married Richard Ramsdell on June 19, 1964 in Munith, MI, and they had two children, Martha Christine and Catherine Mary. Mary Ellen and Richard lived in Ypsilanti, Madison Heights, Royal Oak, Romeo, and Stockbridge. During this period, Mary Ellen was active in various church and community activities, and choir. She had a beautiful voice and very much enjoyed singing in her barbershop quartet in Romeo, MI. She also enjoyed reading and gardening.

Mary Ellen is survived by her husband of 59 years, Richard Ramsdell; her daughters, Martha (Gary) Vartanoff, Catherine (Stephen Boller) Ramsdell; three siblings, Raymond (Penny) Knott, Evelyn Hoth, Norman (Tammy) Knott, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law, Denise Knott, and brother-in-law, William Hoth.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge with Rev. Dr. Deborah J. Smith officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Maryanna Robertson

Maryanna Robertson, age 97, of Dexter Twp., MI, passed away on October 23, 2023 at her home at North Lake. Maryanna was born on September 4, 1926 in Murray, KY the daughter of Lilburn and Alberta (Wilson) Huie. On October 4, 1946, she married Billy R. Robertson, and he preceded her in death in 2009.

Billy and Maryanna moved to the North Lake area in 1952 from Highland Park, MI. Maryanna was the oldest member of the North Lake United Methodist Church. She served on the North Lake Cemetery Board for many years. She also was a life-time member of Inverness Country Club, where she enjoyed the social membership, the Women's League, and back in the day the Snowmobile Club. She had a wealth of knowledge of the Park Lawn Beach and Inverness area. Many will remember Maryanna from Beach Middle School, where she worked for many years as a secretary in the office. Billy and Maryanna enjoyed traveling all over the United States in their RV. They spent many winters in Panama Beach, FL. Maryanna also enjoyed reading, spending time with her family, and she loved her Spartans. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Maryanna is survived by three children, Mark (Jean) Robertson of Paw Paw, MI, Valerie Paladino of North Lake, and Scott (Marjorie) Robertson of Bend, Oregon; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Billy, she was preceded in death by four brothers and one sister.

A private graveside service will be held at North Lake Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in Maryanna's honor may do so to the North Lake United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.