Edna L. Schuur

Edna Ida Louise Schuur, age 104, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on September 22, 2024 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. Edna was born on April 3, 1920 on a farm in Hillman, MI to William and Bertha (Baerke) Boettcher, the 10th of 13 children. She moved to Detroit at the age of 16, following her older sister.

At age 20, she married Edward Schuur in November 1940. They had three children, James Edward, Eileen Rae, and Helen Gay. The family moved to Redford Township to a house that she and Ed designed in 1956. Ed passed away in 1996, and after that Edna moved to South Lyon, MI in 1997. She moved to the Chelsea Retirement Community in 2012, where she resided until her passing.

Edna loved knitting, crocheting, playing Bingo, and doing puzzles. She was a wonderful cook and baker. Her cookies and cakes were the best! After Ed retired, they pulled a travel trailer every year to Yuma, AZ. They enjoyed spending the winter where it was warm and they could spend time with their good “snowbird” friends.

She is survived by two children, Jim (Ann) Schuur of Novi, MI, and Helen Schuur of Durham, NC; three grandchildren, Kerri, Adam, and Jennifer; and four great-grandchildren, Shelby, Graham, Luke and Scarlett.

In addition to her husband, Edward, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Eileen in 2020.

She will be laid to rest at Glen Eden Cemetery with a private service at a later date.

Robert M. "Bob" Merkel

Robert M. "Bob" Merkel, age 93, of Ann Arbor, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI, passed away on September 27, 2024, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. He was born on May 4, 1931, in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of Ferdinand and Mary (Young) Merkel.

Bob graduated from Chelsea High School in 1949 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH. After graduating from college, he served for two years in the U.S. Army in Germany. In 1955, Bob joined the family business, now known as Merkel Furniture and Carpet One, where he and his brother, Jack, partnered for 56 years. The business celebrated its 100th year of continuous operation in August and is managed by his son, Howard, and his great-nephew, George Merkel.

On February 2, 1963, Bob married Barbara J. (Collins) in Ann Arbor, MI. Together, they raised their family in Chelsea, where Bob was deeply committed to his community. Bob was a founding member of the Chelsea Downtown District Authority. He served on the Chelsea District Library Board, and he was an active member of Kiwanis. He volunteered endless hours in his community and was a faithful contributor to his church. In 1994, Bob and Barb retired and moved to Ann Arbor, where they were members of St. Thomas Catholic Church. They enjoyed a fulfilling retirement, splitting their time between Ann Arbor and Bonita Springs, Florida. While in Bonita Springs, he continued to use his furniture and design talent as a volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store.

Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara; four children, Sara (Jonathan) Bonesteel of Ann Arbor, William R. Merkel of Arlington, VA, Dr. Edward T. (Aleza) Merkel of Canton, MI and Howard M. (Michaele) Merkel of Ann Arbor; nine grandchildren; his brother, D. Patrick (Sandra) Merkel of Chelsea; his brother-in-law, James (Florence) Collins of Florida; and sister-in-law, Patricia Collins of Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, "Jack" Merkel, sister, Gertrude "Dot" Mennick, and daughter-in-law, Heidi Merkel.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Sunday, October 13, 2024 from 5-7 p.m., as well as at the church on Monday, October 14, 2024 from 9:30-10:00 a.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Ann Arbor on Monday, October 14, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church or Bowling Green University Arts Scholarship Fund.

Patricia McCarthy Ziolkowski

On Tuesday evening, September 24, 2024, the Ziolkowski family lost our beloved Irish mother, Patricia, who passed away surrounded by the love of her children in Chelsea, MI. She took her last breath shortly after we finished praying the rosary, a true testament to her lifelong devotion to her faith.

Our mother was born in Detroit, Michigan, on November 4, 1934. She grew up in Saginaw with her parents, Thomas and Kathleen McCarthy, her sister, Jane Ann, and her brother, Tom. She attended Aquinas College in Grand Rapids where she was a cheerleader and graduated with a teaching degree. She was incredibly social in college and caught the eye of a dashing young man, Robert “Bob” Ziolkowski. She married the love of her life in 1959. And a year later, her most cherished role began when they started a family. Together, they raised eight children in Jackson and Clark Lake.

Mom lived her life with compassion, love, humor, and selflessness. Those close to her saw her silly side and could also rely on her for sage advice. She truly lived the corporal works of mercy: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. She was a dedicated and loyal friend, a mother to many, and gave comfort to those in need. She dedicated herself to others: raising her children, volunteering at Queen’s and Lumen Christi, opening her home to those who didn’t have a family, and being a friend to all. A voracious reader, Mom would often be found down by the lake in a lawn chair with a “good book”. She cherished her daytime naps when the kids were at school and had an amazing close knit group of friends who met on a regular basis for years.

One of her biggest joys was her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She absolutely loved the babies! Our mother never missed a baptism, confirmation, first communion, graduation, bridal shower, wedding or baby shower.

After the kids left home, Mom and Dad began a new chapter in their life. Their adventures together took them to Italy, Banff, Israel, the Galapagos, white water rafting in the Grand Canyon, and several trips to see their children in California. But the trip she looked forward to the most was the annual Z summer vacation Up North. Our parents were committed to nurturing the bonds among our family and keeping the ties close among the siblings, our spouses, and our children. The tradition continues 30 years on.

In addition to our family, her legacy includes her unwavering commitment to the less fortunate. She and Bob traveled to Bolivia to administer medical aid in remote villages and traveled to Merida, Mexico, where she served for years on the Board of Directors for an organization supporting Indigenous groups in the Yucatan Peninsula. Mom was incredibly committed to her faith throughout her life. In recent years, she studied the teachings of St. Francis de Sales and served in many capacities in the Daughters of St. Francis de Sales.

Our mother is preceded in death by our father, Bob (2017), her sister, Jane Ann, and brother-in- law, Gus, her brother, Tom, her brother-in-law, John, and her sister-in-law, Pat.

Mom’s faith, compassion, and integrity will live on forever in her children: Tom (Jenny), Bob (Karen), Ann, Mike, Jane (Joe), Patty (Chris), Joe (Abby), and Matt (Margo). She was the cherished Nana to Tommy (Bronti), Katie (Jeremy), Robbie, Jay, Becca (Austin), Julie, Kate (Brandon), Charlie, Maggie, Griffin, Christman, Hudson, Florian, Kai, Zora, and Marigold and great-grandmother to Eloise, Thomas, Callahan, Theo, and baby Hepner due in a couple weeks. She will be greatly missed by her nieces and nephews: Mari, John, Pete, Jim, Dave, Michael, and Jennifer. Blessings to her best friend, Connie O’Connor, who visited mom on a weekly basis for the past several years and brought her much laughter and joy!

The Ziolkowski family is incredibly grateful to the team at Towsley Memory Care – our mother’s home for the past three years. Special thanks to Anaya, Belina, Caprisha, Destiny, Jack, Jay, Jessica, Melissa, Rachel, Tim, Trisha, Tyah, and Ulonda. Thank you for your unconditional love and care.

Our mother’s devout faith and dedication to her family is a source of comfort in our time of grief.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St, Chelsea, MI, on Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 4-8 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, September 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 14200 E. Old US Hwy 12, Chelsea, MI, with Father Ken McKenna OSFS presiding.

If desired, memorial contributions can be made to Faith In Action or Camp de Sales Catholic Camp or offer your time/resources to someone in need in her honor.

Cora M. Holloway

Cora Mae Holloway, of Manchester, MI, age 82, passed away on September 21, 2024 at home. Cora was born on September 4, 1942 in Hohenwald, TN, the daughter of Arnold and Agnes (Huggins) Holden. On January 16, 1960, she married Alfred E. Holloway, and he preceded her in death in 2018. She worked for Sam's club for over 25 years. Cora enjoyed crocheting and doing crafts. She went to art fairs and especially loved her trips to Shipshewana and spending time with her grandchildren.

Cora is survived by her three children, Jerry Holloway of Manchester, Deborah K. DeVries of Grass Lake, and Sharon (William) Coggins of Manchester; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren (with one more on the way); three sisters, Linda Sue Wardle of Hobe Sound, FL, Edna (Chuck) Stirsman of Canton, and Lisa (Mike) Thebeau of Westland.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Bentley A. Favot, and her son-in-law, William DeVries.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to a Humane Society of your choice. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Clarence "Kelly" Smith

Clarence "Kelly" Smith, age 70, passed away on September 23, 2024 at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital. Kelly was born on October 2, 1953 in Stockbridge, MI, the son of Clarence and Mary Ann (Castle) Smith. He lived in Pleasant Lake, MI since 2002, moving from Jackson, MI.

Kelly graduated from Stockbridge High School and worked as an electrician. He found joy in helping others. He was good with his hands and an avid builder. His commitment to service extended beyond his work. Family and faith were at the core of his life. As a devoted member of Crossroads Community Church, he actively participated in many church activities.

Surviving are two children, Orion Martinez of Jackson and Mathew Martinez of Jackson; two grandchildren, Fillip and Payton; and six siblings: Gary Lee Smith of Jackson, Donald Smith of Florida, Richard Smith of New Boston, MI, Marie Shepherd of Kentucky, Silvie Smith of West Virginia, and Vicie McClung of Mason, MI.

He married Debra (Schrader) in 1992, and she preceded him in death in 2014. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers, Hillard, George, and Clifford.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, N. Wood St., Stockbridge, MI 49285. The family will receive friends at the park from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Community Church. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Junior L. Fendt

Junior Leo Fendt, age 94, of Chelsea, MI, went to be with his heavenly Father on September 21, 2024.

He was born March 16, 1930 in Farmington Hills, the son of Lionel and Elsie (Rutenbar) Fendt. He had one brother, Roger (Kathleen) Fendt of Eastport, MI.

Junior graduated from Farmington High School in 1947, and he graduated from Michigan State University with a BA in Business Administration, as well as 2nd Lieutenant US Army from ROTC. He married Jean (McLeish) of Livonia on October 6, 1951 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD, as he was stationed at Fort Lee, VA.

Overseas duty took him to Fulda, Germany from 1951-1953. Jean joined him there. He was discharged from active duty as 1st Lieutenant in August 1953. Junior worked his entire life at Fendt Builders Supply, Inc. in Farmington, MI. His father, Leo, started the business in 1924. Another plant was purchased in Ann Arbor for manufacturing concrete products.

Junior served in various positions in trade associations, including President of the Michigan Ready Mix Concrete Association, President of the Concrete Products Guild of Michigan, and Board of Directors of the National Concrete Masonry Association. Junior was a lifelong Lutheran church member and was active in church work serving the Lord on various boards and offices. He was currently a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Dexter, MI.

Junior and Jean lived in Farmington for 58 years where they raised their family. They had three children, Sandra A. (Rick) Shrope of Cody, WY, Alan D. (Sharon) Fendt of Dexter, MI, and Terri J. (Eric) Schuster of Waterford, MI. They had seven grandchildren, Brook Schuster, Nikole Bierman, Samantha Davidson, Matthew Fendt, Steven Fendt, James Schuster, and Jessica Newberger; also 18 great-grandchildren.

Junior semi-retired, and he and Jean moved to Meeteese, WY where they lived from 1989-2005, also owning the Bar TL Ranch for a few years during that time. Junior was an avid hunter and always enjoyed the pack trips and horseback riding in the mountains. He loved fishing and spending time with his family, as they all grew up enjoying the outdoors. They relocated to Cody, WY in 2005. Junior was also an avid pilot for many years, accumulating 4000 hours of flying time. He made many trips in his aircraft from Michigan to Wyoming and to many other destinations in the US and Canada.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 5-7 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 9575 N Territorial Rd., Dexter, MI, on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Spencer Biga officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10-11 a.m.

Burial will take place at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, Dexter.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Wanda L. Brown

Wanda Lucille Brown, of Pinckney, MI, age 89, passed away peacefully in her home on September 19, 2024. She was born in Vandalia, IL, the daughter of Harold and Edith (Jay) Miller.

Wanda married Paul Duane Brown on August 17, 1961 in Effingham, Illinois. They welcomed their daughter, Tammy, on January 4, 1967 in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Paul and Wanda moved to the area in the 1970’s.

Wanda made a 27-year career working as a bus driver for Stockbridge Community Schools. She loved driving her bus and taking care of “her” kids. Wanda retired in 2005 and spent most of her days caring for her granddaughters, cheering for them in the bleachers of sporting events, loving on her cats and dogs, camping with family in her Monaco motorhome, having occasional get togethers with her lifetime bus driver friends, and making the best home cooked meals and cakes for family and friends. She also enjoyed spending time crocheting, quilting, and sewing.

She leaves behind her two granddaughters, Jenni Gradowski (Ron Smith) and Makayla Gradowski; her son-in-law, Mike Gradowski (Sandy Lavey-Gradowski); and many family members in southern Illinois. Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Brown, and her daughter, Tammy Gradowski, her parents, Harold and Edith Miller, step-father, David Davidson, and her brothers, Eugene Miller and Donald Davidson.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 5-7 p.m., as well as on Thursday from 10-11 a.m.

A funeral service will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Missy Noll officiating. Burial will follow at Plainfield Cemetery.

James H. Robbins

James Henry Robbins, of Chelsea, MI, age 90, passed away on September 16, 2024.  James was born on October 17, 1933 in Luther, MI, the son of Forest and Hattie (Koch) Robbins.  He honorably served our country in the United States Army during the Korean War. On June 12, 1955, he married Betty Jane (Haimbaugh), who survives him.

In addition to his wife, Betty, he is survived by two children, Diane (Jay) Hughes of Ann Arbor and Steven (Shelly) Robbins of Grass Lake; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and his sister, Margaret Hunerjager of Niles, MI. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Gordon (Mary) and Donald (Phyllis), and grandson, Shelby.

Jim worked at Mallek’s gas station in Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Fire Department. He was a skilled electrician and a proud member of the Local 252 IBEW. He was a member of the Ann Arbor American Legion, the Post 46 Hunt and Fish Club, and  the local Moose Lodge. In 1968, he and Betty built their current home in Chelsea. Jim was also a dedicated member of the Chelsea Fair Board and the First United Methodist Church for many years. 

Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, playing euchre and generally puttering or tinkering on a variety of objects.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Community Fair, to Michigan Heart, or to the Veterans Administration-Community Living Center in Ann Arbor, MI (VA-CLC).

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.

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.