Edizine Lewis

Edizine Lewis, of Stockbridge, MI, age 90, passed away on September 17, 2024 at her home surrounded by all her children.

Edizine, more lovingly known as "Bird," was born on December 26, 1933 in Magoffin County, KY. She was a woman that was fiercely independent and strong, instilling that quality in all of those whom she loved, and she had so many people to love. Edizine's other name was "Mammaw," and that name was given to her by her 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Edizine shared her love and care to anyone that she could shine it on. She preferred to spend her time surrounded by family, laying in the sun, and cooking entirely too much food. Edizine was devout in her faith and worshiped at Heeney Road Baptist Church in Stockbridge.

She is survived by her kids, Paula Patrick-Kimball, Billy (Sharon) Lewis, Bobby Lewis, Rhonda (Jim) Loy, and Jeff (Cloe) Lewis; as well as her siblings, Alva (Glaster) Risner, Dorothy Pickett, and Wanda (Bob) Waters. Edizine was preceded in death by her siblings, Charles Risner, Maxine Risner, Lois Jean Adams, and Sue Ervin; and a grandson, Trevor Jenks.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, on Monday, September 23, 2024, from 5-7 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Jim Snyder officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Baptist Church of Stockbridge or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Constance "Connie" Smythe

Constance Deering Smythe, known as Connie and Gran, was born in Pittsfield, MA to George and Martha Deering on April 5, 1932. She departed this earthly life on Monday, September 9, 2024.

Connie grew up in Brookline and Needham, MA. Her father, George “Bud” Deering worked in banking and real estate. Her mother, Martha Silva Deering, was a school teacher. Connie was a gifted student and athlete (field hockey, four varsity letters in high school), being recognized in Who’s Who of high school students in 1949-50. Friday afternoons in her childhood were frequently spent at Fenway Park in Boston. Her mother, with another teacher and a few classmates, walked to the ballpark to attend ladies’ day games as school let out early on Fridays. Her hero was Ted Williams who signed several items of memorabilia for her. She attended Pembroke College at Brown University with the encouragement of a benefactor, common in those days as Ivy’s do not provide merit, talent or athletic scholarships.

On the first Friday of freshman week, September 1950, she met Robert John “Jack” Smythe. They held their first date that Saturday and married in 1955. Connie graduated in 1954 with an AB degree in zoology. She went to work in the Deaconess laboratory at Harvard University as a researcher. After a decade at home raising her children, she re-entered the workforce as a histologist, subsequently working in hospitals and labs in New Jersey where the family moved in 1960.

Connie greatly enjoyed traveling, art, and theater. She traveled with Jack to Hong Kong and to China before the damming of the Yangtze River. They traveled to Spain twice with their art professor, to Europe twice annually after Jack’s retirement, organized family trips to Cape Cod, Outer Banks, St. Croix, Smoky Mountains, Acadia National Park and Martha’s Vineyard. Through the years Connie visited 42 countries.

She loved her two dogs, Geoffrey and Brandy. She also volunteered extensively, reviewing scholarship applications with the Montclair Women’s club, leading various PTA activities and later engaging in AAUW, DAR, Great Decisions discussion group and a gourmet dining group.

Connie and Jack had three children. Today, she is fondly remembered by her daughter, Lauren (Ken), her grandchildren: Kevin (Megan), Kim (Mike), Kyle (Sharon), Todd, and Megan (Ethan); and her son, David (Tricia), and grandchildren: Dan, Erin (Dan), and Andrew. She was particularly proud to be the great-grandmother to Kevin’s children, Tessa, Will, Alex, Josh and Emma; Kim’s children, Beckett and Braxton; and Erin’s child, one-year old Nathan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Silver Maples Kaleidoscope Concerts or Art Matters online at Senior Living Donations - Silver Maples of Chelsea or by calling or emailing 734-627-6544, ext 214; kbradley@silvermaples.org.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Maples Room at Silver Maples of Chelsea on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 12:00 p.m., where the family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Davy Sturgill

Davy Sturgill, age 67, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on September 16, 2024 at Olive Branch Assisted Living in Perry, MI. Davy was born on August 10, 1957 in Jackson, MI, the son of Claude Sr. and Opal (Risner) Sturgill.

On October 12, 1979, Davy married Vicie Fay Holbrook in Fitchburg, Michigan. They shared a devoted life together, and she survives him. Davy worked as a supervisor for Die Cast in Jackson, MI. They moved to South Carolina, where they resided for 14 years, and six years ago moved back to Stockbridge, MI. He was known for his love of fitness, enjoying both weightlifting and running, and he especially cherished time spent with his grandson, Eli.

In addition to his wife, Vicie, he is survived by a son, Davy J. (Stacy) Sturgill of Forest City, North Carolina; grandson, Eli Sturgill; three sisters, Juanita Heeney of Stockbridge, Wilma Wireman of Stockbridge, Eunice Sorenson of Jackson, and two brothers, Jack (Susie) Sturgill of Jackson and Mack Sturgill of Jackson; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Sr. and Opal Sturgill, a son, Joshua Sturgill, brother, Danny Sturgill, sister, Wanda Reynolds, and brother, Claude "Bill" Sturgill Jr.

Cremation has taken place, and a private graveside service will be held next summer.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Community Outreach.

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

Joan Luick Hoffmeyer

Joan Luick Hoffmeyer, age 89, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on September 12, 2024. She was born September 29, 1934, in Detroit, MI. She was the beloved daughter of August W. Buchau and Mary L. (Duckworth) Buchau Brown. Joan became a cherished resident of Chelsea, MI in 1953 and was a dedicated member of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church.

Joan married Duane Donald Luick of Dexter, MI, with whom she had two beloved children, Duane David Luick of Dexter and Diane Luick Keyes of Chelsea. She was the proud grandmother of Dale (Joelle) Luick of Dexter (and their child August, 3), Lindsey (Chris) Tapping (and their children Ethan, 9, and Emma, 7), Craig (Syriah) Keyes of Manistee, MI, Alex Keyes (Malcolm, 5) of Chelsea, and Shelley (Robert) Christians of Florida (and their children Gabrielle, 10, Makenzie, 5, and Robert, 3).

In 1984, Joan married James F. Hoffmeyer, who passed away in May 2018. Her blended family included three step-children: Merry Hoffmeyer of Clawson, MI, Holly (Rick) Richardson of Springfield, OH and Paul (Connie) Hoffmeyer of Carleton, MI, along with many step-grandchildren and -great-grandchildren.

Joan’s life was centered around her family, but she also enjoyed a career as a typesetter which led to her traveling the United States as a Conference Coordinator. Her son built her dream home where she enjoyed countless hours tending to her beautiful garden, exploring the world on cruises, and baking her signature orange cookies. She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard A. Buchau (Claudette) of Mooers, NY, and leaves behind four nieces and many great-nieces and -nephews.

A celebration of Joan’s life will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St, Chelsea, MI. Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a funeral service from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., with burial to follow.

Glenda L. Wahl

Glenda Lee Wahl, of Stockbridge, MI, age 86, passed away on September 10, 2024 at Cascade Senior Care Center in Jackson, MI.

Glenda was born on April 14, 1938 in Shiawassee Co., MI to Russell and Ethel (Laberteau) Scott. In 1956, she married Lester H. Wahl in Waterloo Twp., and he survives.

Glenda dedicated many years working at D & C Stores in Stockbridge. Her hands were always busy, and she found joy sewing, quilting, crocheting, and knitting. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, and she also enjoyed reading, watching television, bowling, and golfing. She and Lester spent their winters in Florida, and they enjoyed spending time up north at their cabin in Mancelona, where she was known to chase the bears off their porch.

In addition to her husband, Lester, Glenda is survived by three children, Deborah Winnie, Sherri (Ron) Hammon, and Michael (Sara) Wahl; four grandchildren, Kristy, Kayla, Cody, and Kaitlyn; and seven great-grandchildren, Courtney, Dylan, Zachary, Riley, Gage, Jaxson, and Logan; five sisters: Delores, Lois, Carole, Patricia, and Ann. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Larry Winnie, and a sister Yvonne.

A private service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Janet L. McCalla

Janet L. McCalla, of Lima Twp, MI, age 87, passed away on September 8, 2024, at her home.

Janet was born on August 9, 1937, in Ann Arbor, MI, to Harold and Marie (Pries) Powers. She married Leonard "Spike" McCalla on January 26, 1957, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor. They enjoyed over 52 years of marriage.

Janet loved her life on the farm, investing her life in making their farm a home. They raised hogs for many years, and she loved her garden, harvesting, canning, freezing, and cooking up whatever they grew. She was an active member of Webster United Church of Christ in Dexter and FCE Extension Group. Janet enjoyed taking the lead in organizing events like the Webster Fall Festival and FCE conventions. She was a strong supporter of the 4-H and FFA youth programs. She had an "I can do that!" approach. She expressed her creativity by activities like painting the Roger's Corners Herdmans signs for the 4-H Fair barns and the champion hog signs for the Chelsea Fair, sewing Halloween costumes, knitting baby blankets and Christmas stockings, and a plethora of other do-it-yourself projects. She often expressed her thoughtfulness by making baked goods for the mail carrier, feed mill, and garbage man.

Janet took pride in her home and family. She was a supportive wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. She took great joy in hosting family gatherings, decorating her home for the holidays, and creating a warm, welcoming environment. She was known as the family historian, maintaining scrapbooks with wedding announcements, baptisms, news clippings, and various memorabilia. She loved her grandchildren, priorizing their development and shaping of their values, while her great-grandchildren brought her much peace and happiness. Despite her shyness in her younger years, Janet's adult years were marked by a spirited and lively personality, always eager to share her opinion, a story, or a laugh.

Janet is survived by her three children, Leonard (Lara McMahon) McCalla of Grass Lake, Lucinda McCalla of Marshall, MI, and Melinda (Kirk) Hautau of Marshall, MI; nine grandchildren: Matthew (Evelyn) McCalla, Charlie (Ellie) McCalla, and Olivia McCalla (and their mother, Laurie McCalla); Rylie and Kennedy McCalla; and Kirk Madison (Olivia) Hautau, Henry Hautau, Morgan (Lauren) Hautau, and Harrison Hautau; six great-grandchildren Olivia, Camila, Piper, Campbell and Viola McCalla; and Eleanor Hautau; a brother, Neal Powers; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her husband, Leonard, she was preceded in death by her brother, Charles (Martha) Powers, and a sister, Alberta (Peter) Stein.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024, 3:00 p.m., at Webster United Church of Christ in Dexter. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 3-7 p.m., as well as at the church on Sunday from 2-3 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to 4-H Youth Programs or Webster United Church of Christ.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Timothy P. Ward

Timothy Paul Ward, age 46, of Muskegon, Michigan, passed away on Monday, August 26, 2024. He was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan and raised in Leslie, Michigan. Timothy was the beloved son of Jim Ward and Mary Joseph. He was a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart, Amy, with whom he shared 22 wonderful years of marriage and 30 plus together, and a loving father to their children, Taylor Ward and TJ Ward. Timothy was also a proud grandfather to his cherished granddaughter, Addy.

Timothy was known for his remarkable versatility and passion. As a skilled welder and mechanic, he took immense pride in his work, whether he was crafting intricate welds or restoring his cherished Nova. His enthusiasm for cars was matched only by his love for attending car shows and cruising with friends and family.

Timothy's creativity and dedication were evident in everything he did. He deeply valued the time spent with his loved ones and was a source of joy and inspiration to all who knew him. He will be profoundly missed by his family and friends.

Timothy is survived by his wife, Amy; his children, Taylor and TJ; his granddaughter, Addy; his sister, Ann (Chuck) Lett; nephew, Nicholas Lett and numerous extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Jim Ward.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, 1:00 p.m. at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge, MI. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Janet Ruth Luck

Janet Ruth Luck (January 8, 1942 – September 7, 2024)

Janet Ruth Luck, age 82, of Chelsea, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2024. She was born January 8, 1942 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. On July 20, 1968, she wed Alfred Luck and has been a Chelsea resident ever since. She is the daughter of the late James and Marian Good.

Janet worked at Jiffy Mix for 28 years and retired in 2001. Janet was a wonderful mother, a very strong hardworking woman, who dedicated her life to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling, arts and crafts, going to the park, watching soap operas, studying her faith, and especially having ice cream. Her father built a house on Crooked Lake, where she and her family spent many summers at the lake.

She will be leaving a void her family cannot fill. Janet was preceded in death by her late husband, Alfred Luck, and four brothers, Robert, Donald, Roger, and Steven Good.

She was a beloved sister to surviving brothers, Charles (Simone) Good and David Good. She was a beloved mother to four children, Robert Luck of Michigan Center, Julie (Tom) Kittel of Onsted, Patricia Kelly of Chelsea, and Daniel Luck of Mason.

She was a loving grandmother of Corey Lazarz (Amber) of Jackson, Marisa Laughter (George) of East Lansing, Jared Lazarz (Haley) of Farmington Hills, Jeremy Lazarz (Kelly) of Jackson, Alison Luck of Grand Rapids, and Mackenzie Luck of Kalkaska, and another grandson due in October. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was also a great-grandmother of Karlie Lazarz and Luke Lazarz, step-great-grandmother of Piper Laughter, and another great-granddaughter arriving in November, Maeve Laughter.

Her celebration of life will be held on September 12, 2024 at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, Michigan. Visitation begins at 11:00 a.m., with services at 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea.

Flowers can be sent to Staffan-Mitchell, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, Michigan, or in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chelsea Retirement Community.

Mary Lou Fletcher

Mary Lou Fletcher, of Stockbridge, MI, age 85, passed away on August 28th, 2024 at Chelsea Hospital. She was born on August 27th, 1939, in Sublett, Kentucky, the daughter of Western and Sis (Montgomery) Allen.

As a child, Mary Lou and her family moved from Kentucky to Chelsea. On October 31st, 1959, she married Willard Fletcher, and they resided in Stockbridge for 36 wonderful years until his passing on September 9th,1995.

Mary Lou held various jobs throughout her life, including positions at Jiffy Mix, the local movie theater, and the hardware store all in Chelsea, as well as the Speedway gas station in Stockbridge that she and Willard owned for several years. She also worked as a cook for Stockbridge Community Schools. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Stockbridge for approximately 60 years, where she started the church's quilting club, donating everything from material to thread.

Mary Lou loved gardening, mushroom hunting, and many people enjoyed her delicious Southern cooking. However, her greatest joy came from her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always finding time to attend every sporting event for her family and friends.

She will be dearly missed by her three daughters, Linda (Dennis) Petsch of Stockbridge, Lisa (Kurt) Knisely of Stockbridge, and Jennifer (Tim-deceased) Schilz of Pinckney; two grandchildren, CJ (Jackie) Lewis, and Emily (Mike) Hoard; and one great-grandson, Benjamin Carl Lewis; four sisters, Molly Sue (Luke) Collinsworth of Chelsea, Nellie (Beacher-deceased), Patrick of Jackson, Joyce (Ron) Watkins of Hillsdale, and Theda (Mike) Dyer of Lansing; several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and distant relatives; as well as two children she babysat that she thought of as her own, Sarah and Matthew Ford; and her wonderful caretakers, Bill and Patrisha LeMaster. The family also wishes to thank Bradford Howard and Katherine Smarch for their efforts.

In addition to her husband, Willard, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Western and Sis Allen, a son, Bobby Jo Fletcher, a sister, Phyllis (Emerson-still living) Marshall, a brother, "Buck" (Linda-still living) Allen; two infant sisters, Pauletta and Gladys Allen, and her sister-in-law, Sandy Allen.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, on Saturday, August 31st, 2024 from 4-6 p.m., as well as on Sunday, September 1st, 2024 from 1-2 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Sunday, September 1st, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. with Larrel Whitaker officiating. Burial will be private at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o Jennifer Schilz.

Roger Antonio Uchergi

Roger Antonio  Uchergi, of Gregory, MI, passed away at the Chelsea Hospital on August 26, 2024 in Chelsea, Michigan. He was born the son of Mario and Yolanda (Pagnuco) Uchergi  Sr. on April 19, 1941.

Roger loved to hunt and fish, and drive his golf cart all over. He was known to tinker on many things and enjoyed watching The Price is Right and "Big Time" Wresting.

Roger is survived by his siblings, Mario Christialino Uchergi, Cynthia Marlene Uchergi, and Anita Marie Shepherd; niece, Cathy, nephews, Mike and Chris, and many great-nieces and -nephews.

A private service and burial will take place at a later date.