Mary E. Barber

Mary Elizabeth Barber, age 89, passed away on June 27, 2024 at the Countryside Care Center in Jackson, MI.

Mary was born on August 10, 1934 in Stockbridge, MI, the daughter of Wendell and Vera (Hurst) Barber. One of four children, she grew up in Stockbridge and graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1951. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge and worked as a sales associate for Industrial Tectonics in Dexter.

Mary was a lifelong learner and loved a good conversation. She was an avid reader and enjoyed ballroom dancing and traveling with her partner, Claude. She briefly served as the Activities Coordinator at a Denver, CO assisted living facility and was a committed caregiver to her mother in her later years. She especially enjoyed her Friday night cruises around town with her sister, Jane.

Mary is survived by a sister, Jane Marz of Jackson, and nieces and nephews: Ann (David) Cook, Harold "Hal" (Danna) Lynde III, William (Kathy) Barber, Timothy (Patsz) Barber, Benjamin (Heidi) Barber, John Barber, Laura (David) Galloway, and Kenneth (Vicki) Marz. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, William Barber, and a sister, Joan Lynde, and brother-in-law, Ralph Marz.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, from 6-8 p.m., as well as on Wednesday from 10-11 a.m.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, with Pastor Steve Malson officiating.

Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Library.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Dennis H. Ballard

Dennis Howard Ballard, age 75, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Beckie, and their two dogs, Bridget and Little Man. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Carol and Gail, and his two children, Dennis Jr. and Renee, along with three grandchildren.

Dennis was born in Jonesboro, AR on March 29, 1949 to Howard Francis Ballard and Silvia Beatrice (Thorne). He grew up in beautiful Arkansas, where he dreamed of returning. Dennis joined the Navy in 1967 right out of high school and served in Vietnam until 1971. Dennis lived in Michigan where he was married and had two children. Dennis had his associates degree and worked at Kelsey-Hayes for 15 years.

Dennis met his wife, Beckie, in 1987. They spent their time dancing the nights away at Lucille's and enjoying camping together with their dogs, finally marrying in 1992.

After his early retirement, Dennis spent many years enjoying his days with his wife and his many hobbies, including hunting and fishing with his son and good friends, carpentry and woodworking, and photography of flowers and their dogs. He enjoyed staying home with his music and lovely view of their property. We know he is enjoying the reunion with our loved ones that went before us, including Jake, Zachary, Charles, Jessie, and Charlie Girl and Cooper. Dennis will be missed.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Interment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI on Monday, July 15, 2024.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Terry Ray Craft

Terry Ray Craft, age 81, of Dansville, MI, passed away peacefully at his home in Bunker Hill Twp on June 25, 2024. He was born on December 15, 1942, in Elkhart, IN, the son of Cisco and Waneta (Gard) Craft. He lived in the Dansville area all of his life.

Terry dedicated many years of service as a set-up man at General Motors, retiring in 1993. An avid fisherman and proud owner of a meticulously kept truck, he found joy in these simple pleasures. He also enjoyed singing and karaoke.

On May 1, 1976, Terry married Helen K. (Quinn), and together they shared 48 wonderful years of marriage.

Terry is survived by his wife, Helen; his children, Berry Craft of Franklin, TN, Jamie Craft of Edmond, OK, Mike Craft (Ashley Sullivan) of Franklin, TN, LaTricia (Chris) Schobert of Chattanooga, TN, and Troy Raymond (Kate Tringal) of Dansville, MI; 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and a brother-in-law, John Nash. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Ronald Craft, and a sister, Sharon Nash.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Church in Leslie, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Terry will be laid to rest at Fitchburg Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice or Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian Catholic Church.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Kathleen M. Paulowicz

Kathleen Mary Paulowicz

September 21, 1964 - June 15, 2024

It is with profound sadness that the family of Kathleen Mary Paulowicz announce her peaceful passing on June 15, 2024 at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital, at the age of 59.

More commonly known to everyone as Kathy, she was a beloved partner, daughter, sister, aunt, great-aunt, and friend. Kathy was born on September 21, 1964 to Robert and Florence (Magalski) Paulowicz in Garden City, Michigan. She grew up in Detroit where she attended St. Suzanne Catholic School and graduated from Bishop Borgess High School.

Kathy is survived by Robert “Bob” Falin, her partner who she was in a loving relationship with for 34 years. She is also survived by her siblings, Robert (Lorrie) Paulowicz, Patricia (Gary) McNulty, Dianne (Philip) Morin, Kenneth (Megan) Paulowicz; sister-in-law, Joanne Paulowicz; many nieces, nephews, as well as great -nieces and -nephews. Also surviving are Bob's mother, Bonnie Falin, and his sister, Mary (Steve) Hudson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Lawrence Paulowicz, Bob's father, Robert Falin, his sister, Amanda Falin, and her two cats, D.J. and Bailey.

Kathy was known and described by many as being the sweetest, kindest, most compassionate and loving person, with the biggest heart and the warmest smile. She was highly empathetic and always thought of others before herself. She deeply loved all of her family and friends, never missing a birthday or anniversary and always celebrating them with thoughtful gifts.

“It is very hard to put into words everything that my dear friend, Kathy, meant to me. She was smart, good-hearted, sweet, kind and had a very good sense of humor. ” said Kathy’s best friend, Cheryl Rozum Falin. “We grew up in the same neighborhood, on the same street, since we were babies. I remember walking to grade school with her and listening to her stories. They would go on forever ... and we all would get a kick out of it.”

Kathy’s unconditional love for all of her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews was truly extraordinary. She loved them all as if they were her own children. She was always so happy to spend time with all of the children in her life, joking around with them, and of course, spoiling them with lots of gifts and candy. “She was definitely the favorite aunt and I’m good with that!” said Kathy’s sister, Dianne.

Animals held a particularly special part in her heart, especially her dog, Roscoe P. Coltrane, and cat, Lily. She not only cared for her pets, but all the animals outside as well. She always made sure to keep her bird feeders full and loved watching animals that would frequent her backyard.

She was a supporter of the Humane Society of Huron Valley and the Humane Society of the United States. She had a very generous heart and also donated to St. Jude, the American Heart Association, and the Cross in the Woods Catholic Shrine.

Kathy loved all things about her home state of Michigan, especially lighthouses and the Upper Peninsula, where she spent many vacations with Bob. She loved spending time reading by the lake, watching Bob fish and the freighters drifting by. She enjoyed reading daily and also sharing that passion with others by sharing and giving books to anyone interested. She especially loved baking and cooking, often trying and sharing new recipes with all of her friends and family. At Christmas she would “accidentally” bake too many cookies and sweets so everyone would have to take some home to enjoy.

Kathy loved to spend her free time using her creative abilities trying all sorts of crafts and art. She delightfully called her most recent hobby “dippin’ dots,” not to be confused with the popular ice cream snack, but diamond art. She wasn’t a huge fan of new technology, with the exception of Facebook, so she could keep up with all the latest news and photos from her friends and family. Since she didn’t spend much time using computers, it isn’t surprising that she had really amazing penmanship.

For 28 years of Kathy’s life she was devoted to working at Brookdale Senior Living, where she loved interacting with the residents, and all of the seniors loved her as well. She was respected and well-loved by her co-workers, many mentioning her kind-heartedness.

Kathy loved the Lord, had a strong faith in Jesus, and always genuinely prayed for others. Her family finds comfort knowing that Kathy is in heaven, surrounded by a mountain of books, and reuniting with her mom, dad, brother, and beloved pets. Her spirit, joy, and love that she brought into all of our lives will remain with us forever.

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, 9:30 a.m., at Our Lady of the Woods Catholic Church, 21892 Gudith Rd., Woodhaven, MI 48183. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m.

Following Mass, a Celebration of Life luncheon will be held at 10317 Mooreville Rd., Saline, MI 48176.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to the Cross in the Woods Shrine in Indian River, Michigan.

Keith Allen Grosshans

Keith A. Grosshans, age 82 of Unadilla Township, Michigan passed away Wednesday evening, June 19, 2024 at Trinity Health-Ann Arbor.

Keith was born November 9, 1941 in Stockbridge Michigan, the son of John and Thelma (Bullis) Grosshans.

He had lived in the area his entire life. Early jobs included farming with Glen Hanson and delivering milk for the dairy. His career was spent as a Security Supervisor at Warner-Lambert/Parke-Davis/Pfizer in Ann Arbor.

He loved farming and tractors, especially the Little Russell. He also enjoyed camping, missionary work, attending steam shows, hunting, McDonald’s Diet Coke, and he was an active member of Crossroads Community Church, where he served an elder.

On June 12, 1976, he married Doreen (Titus) Grosshans, and she preceded him in death.

Surviving are two children, Beth (Eric) Kunzelman and Brian (Cheri) Grosshans, both of Gregory; six grandchildren, Austyn (Makenna), Samantha, Brooke, Kayden, KC (Skye), and Christopher (Ciara); as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by Patricia (Gregory) Grosshans in 1975, and his parents.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Highest Praise Worship Center in Stockbridge.

The family will receive friends at the Highest Praise Worship Center on Monday, June 24, 2024, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Please know that his beloved Crossroads Community Church is having Vacation Bible School next week. He would not want to disrupt one of his favorite events of the year. The family would like to thank the Highest Praise Worship Center family for the use of the church to hold his funeral and visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Steam Engine and Threshers Club or the Crossroads Community Church.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Kason Andrew Watters

Kason Andrew Watters, of Stockbridge, Michigan, age five, passed away on June 17, 2024 in Williamston, Michigan. He was born the son of Andrew James and Holly (Duncan) Watters on December 21, 2018.

Kason was a fun loving and wild little boy with the bluest eyes. He enjoyed playing outside with his brother and friends, as well as camping every summer. Kason was always trying to make others laugh and had a silly sense of humor. He also loved singing and riding his four wheeler. He loved all his family, especially his little brother, Connor.

In addition to his brother, Connor Jon Watters, he is survived by Grandpa Jim (Lori) Watters, Grandma Tami Watters, Grandma “Cici” Cindy Duncan.

Kason is also survived by his aunts: Madyson, Laken (Terry), Devae (Scott), along with many other aunts, uncles, and cousins. Kason was preceded in death by his grandfather, Dennis Duncan.

A gathering of friends and family will take place at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, June 21, 2024 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. and again Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Mayrene Ann Howlett

Born on October 17, 1928, to Roy and Alma (Anderson) McCloud, Mayrene was a lifelong resident of Stockbridge, Michigan, until she moved to Spring Lake in 2018 to be near her daughter.  She graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1946 and married Richard Howlett in 1947.  They remained devoted to each other for 66 years until his death in 2013.

May lived a full life.  She was an active member of the Stockbridge Methodist Church, serving on multiple committees over the years.  She loved everything Stockbridge and was a proud supporter of the Panthers.  May was an exceptional athlete, excelling in multiple sports.  She is one of the few who recorded three holes-in-one on the golf course.  No one was more excited for her than her husband Dick.  May was an avid bridge player and was a member of a group of very special ladies who played together for well over 40 years.  She had a strong creative side as well.  She was an accomplished photographer and took various art classes over the years.  Much of her work is displayed in the homes of her children.

May loved her family.  She and Dick always put family first, but enjoyed many activities together, including couples bridge, golfing, cross-country skiing and watching sports.  May was a quiet but strong advocate for her children and was always willing to play.  It was not uncommon for her to drop the dish towel when the neighborhood needed a pitcher.  May instilled a strong social conscience in her kids by always modeling empathy and kindness.

 Having her four kids in five years, she was notably easygoing and had a ready laugh.  Not surprisingly, not much riled her.  She delighted in the antics of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and found great joy in their accomplishments.  She and Dick attended as many of their activities as they could.

May was predeceased by her husband, her son-in-law Pete Schmidt, her brothers Roy, Don, Henry, and James and her sister Eleanor.  May is survived by her children Tim (Suzy) of Harrison Township; Becky Schmidt of Spring Lake; Chris (Patty) of Bloomfield Hills; and Dan (Melanie) of Lander, Wyoming.  In addition she had eight grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

Mayrene lived her best life and will be deeply missed by those who loved her. The family would like to especially thank the wonderful ladies of American House Timberbrook and Gentiva Hospice for their exceptional care.

A funeral service will be held at the Stockbridge United Methodist Church on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. The family will receive friends at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and Friday at the church from 11:00 a.m. to the hour of the service.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Richard C. Howlett Education Fund c/o Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation or the Stockbridge United Methodist Church.

Georgia M. Beeman

Georgia M. Beeman, age 73, of Chelsea, MI, passed away at her home on June 9, 2024.

Georgia was the daughter of George and Lavon (Winkle) Beeman. She is survived by two sisters, Linda (Donald) Brown and Doris Goodson, two nieces, Rochelle Beeman and Tracy (Michael) Scott, two nephews, James (Julie) Branham and Ryan (Janie) Branham, as well as many great- and great-great- nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by a brother, Edward, and a sister and brother-in-law, Rosemary (George) Klink, along with an infant great-nephew, Alan Beeman.

Georgia worked as a parish secretary at Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Ann Arbor and then the Village of Chelsea, from which she retired. She was active in the Dexter-Chelsea Chapter of American Business Women's Association and served for many years as treasurer on the Mt. Hope Waterloo Cemetery Board. She was a member of the Waterloo United Methodist Church and also attended Chelsea First Congregational Church.

Georgia's wishes were for Green Burial interment. A private burial was held at Mt. Hope Waterloo Cemetery.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Shirley E. (Cavender) Addison

Shirley Ellen (Cavender) Addison , age 88, passed away on May 29, 2024, in El Dorado Hills, California with her loving daughter by her side. Born on May 4, 1936, in Jackson, Michigan, Shirley was the cherished daughter of Lawrence and Francis Cavender and younger sister of David Cavender. Her formative years were shaped by the loving care of her Aunt Kathryn and Uncle James Sykes, who provided unwavering support following the early death of her mother. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Larry and Frances, her brother, David, and her beloved husband, Ted Addison.

On February 4, 1961, Shirley embarked on a lifelong journey of love and companionship with Theodore “Ted” Addison, whom she married in Jackson, Michigan. Together, they created a life filled with adventure, love, and a deep commitment to family. Their union blessed them with two children, Dane Lawrence and Michelle “Shellie” Kathryn Cook (Sean). Shirley was immensely proud of her family, especially her cherished grandchildren, Bailey Addison and Dalton James Cook.

A graduate of St. John's High School in Jackson, Michigan, Shirley's journey led her from Michigan to Texas, back to Michigan, and finally to Cameron Park, California, where she resided for 45 years. Her professional life was dedicated to the medical field, where she served as an administrative assistant for Dr. DeBruin in Folsom the last 30 years of her career. She formed lasting bonds with patients and colleagues which she cherished greatly.

Shirley was an enthusiastic sports fan, sharing a passion for the University of Michigan football program with Ted for over three decades. The joy of the Wolverines' National Championship win in 2023 was a highlight of her sports fandom. She also found solace and camaraderie on the golf course with the ladies' golf club and enjoyed playing softball in an adult league, a passion she passed down to her daughter and granddaughter. Above all, Shirley found her greatest joy in cheering on her grandchildren as they pursued their own athletic passions.

Despite her few words, Shirley's presence resonated deeply within her community. Her gentle demeanor, paired with a subtle sense of humor, endeared her to all who knew her. Shirley was exceptionally kind and loved to enjoy life. Her life exemplified the values of love, family, and community, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her.

Shirley Addison's funeral service in California will be held Friday, June 28, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, 3111 Tierra de Dios Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762.

Shirley's funeral service in Michigan will be held Friday, July 19, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 120 East Wesley Street, Jackson, Michigan 49201.

Shirley's burial will take place Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Sts. Cornelius & Cyprian Parish Cemetery, 1320 Catholic Church Road, Bunkerhill Township, Leslie, Michigan.

Rest in peace, Shirley. Your legacy of love, kindness, and grace will endure eternally in the hearts of your beloved family and friends.

Arden Mahlberg

Arden Mahlberg, a long-time resident of Madison, WI, died on June 4, 2024, at the age of 76 in his new home in Michigan, where he and his wife Linda moved to retire in 2021.

Arden had a long and gratifying career as a psychologist at the Integral Psychology Center, where he was Director for over 25 years. In addition to his clinical practice, Arden was a consultant to other mental health professionals and several organizations locally, nationally, and internationally, was a workshop leader, published journal articles, co-authored a book, and received an international award for his ground-breaking research in collective memory.

After moving to Michigan, Arden began creative writing in earnest, joining three writers’ groups in Ann Arbor. He and Linda enjoyed biking and kayaking the Huron River close to their home, as well as watching and listening to birds.

Arden Mahlberg began his journey in Worthington, MN on May 6, 1948. He went through Northfield, MN for college and then Minneapolis, San Francisco, Southern Oregon and Madison, WI before his final destination in a lovely town outside Ann Arbor, MI. Arden was raised for a life of service by his father, Arthur, proprietor of an auto repair service, and his mother, Margaret, a registered nurse, as was his older brother, Paul, an ophthalmologist, his older sister, Mavis, a music therapist, and his wife, Linda, a registered nurse. Their children followed that tradition—Nathaniel as a minister and Nora as a poverty law lawyer.

Arden was good at arguing and received a debate scholarship to college, where he studied philosophy and sociology. Upon graduation during the Vietnam War, he was drafted and was acknowledged to be a conscientious objector. He did two years of alternative service, which became a launching pad. This is when he became proficient at playing the washtub bass. Arden did community organizing in south Minneapolis and worked on a draft repeal and antiwar campaign for a Quaker organization. He also worked for a state legislator in Minnesota and wrote prisoners’ rights legislation that is still in force. His spiritual life blossomed with the gift of meditation. He obtained formal training in nonviolent strategy and tactics. What he learned shaped how he approached his subsequent work as a psychologist. Justice work, he learned, involved both outer work and inner work. The goals and guiding principles are the same in both domains.

Arden leaves his wife, Linda; their children, Nathaniel and Nora, their spouses, Rachel and Todd; granddaughters, Alma, Shea, and Eleanor; brother, Paul, and his children, Peter, Erik, Erik’s wife, Erin, and their son, Oskar; sister, Mavis, and his friends and valued conversation partners.

Arden died with gratitude for how fortunate he was and with curiosity toward what comes next.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor, 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.

Donations in his memory are invited for Partners in Health working toward health care equity and Undue Medical Debt which eliminates medical debt for those who need it.