Clara Jean Wireman

Clara Jean Wireman, of Leslie, MI, age 79, passed away on January 14, 2025 at her home in Bunkerhill Twp.

Clara was born on June 13, 1945 in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Delza and Hattie (Hensley) Craft. She had lived in the area her entire life. She married Narbutas "Boots" Wireman on February 26, 1966, and he preceded her in death on June 2, 2015.

Clara loved spending time outside, often spending her days tending to her garden and doing yardwork. She enjoyed cooking and took pride in canning the vegetables from her garden. Her happiest moments were spent surrounded by her loved ones, especially her grandchildren, who were a great source of pride and joy.

She is survived by two children, James Wireman of Leslie, and Ruth Pannell of Jackson, three grandchildren: Shelby Lynn Ireland, Duane Yerks, and Angela Milliken, and six great-grandchildren: Lily Ann and Lexi Rose Flynn, Wyatt Edward Joseph Yerks, Ellie Rose Rivera, Declan James Narbutus Ireland, and Cade William Ireland. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings: Calvin Craft, Alvin Craft, Etta Mullins, and Aileen Bradley.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate Clara’s life.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.

Edwin John Coy

It is with great sadness that the family of Edwin John Coy announces his passing on Sunday, January 12, 2025, just a few days shy of his 87th birthday.

Ed will be fondly remembered as community leader and a veteran, having served in the Air Force and Air National Guard Reserves. He was deeply engaged in civic and community service having served as past President of the Dexter Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Kiwanis Club of Dexter, Forest Lawn Cemetery Board in Dexter, and past Lima Township Supervisor for seven years. Ed Coy graduated from Dexter High School in 1956 where he played football, basketball, and attended Boys State. He spent two years at Michigan State University and got his associate degree in Farming/Agriculture and then in 1983 completed his Realtor Broker License from University of Michigan.

Ed wore many hats. He was a farmer, and in 1957 he was selected as Gold Award Recipient and Young Farmer of the Year in Michigan. He was also a private pilot, realtor and assessor, township supervisor, and lobbyist for Lima Township in Lansing. Ed’s hobbies included gardening, puzzles, spending time with family, and building and flying model airplanes.

He traveled to many countries, from Germany to visit extended family to his most recent trip to the Hawaiian and Polynesian Islands a year ago. He and his wife, Fran (Visel), the love of his life, enjoyed nearly 65 years of marriage. Ed is survived by not only his wife, Fran, but his children: John Coy and Annette (Taphouse), Todd Coy and Molly (Luempert), Vern Lewis and Lorraine (Spiegelberg), and Tina and German Pardales.

Ed loved spending time with his grandchildren and sharing many wonderful life stories. Ed is survived by Anthony and Angie Nelson, Jack and Varunya Coy, Wesley Coy, Elise Coy, Amanda Coy, Blake Coy, Jennifer Williams, Heather Lewis, Andy Lewis and Kristen, and Marc Pardales.

Ed is survived by a number of great-grandchildren as well that he loved to visit with: Evelyn (Eddy) Nelson, Claire Nelson; Dakota Williams, Kayla Lewis, Declan Lewis, Oliva Lewis, and Kesan Lewis.

The son of Merl and LaVern Coy, Ed is preceded in death by siblings: Carolyn Ann Coy, Audrey (Barrows) Coy, Joan (Gustafson) Coy, and Dean Coy.

Visitation will occur on Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. and on Friday, January 24, 2025 from 10-11 a.m. at the Huron River Methodist Church, 7643 Huron River Dr., Dexter, MI 48130.

A Celebration of Life/Funeral and Luncheon will take place on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Huron River Methodist Church. Interment will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery at a later date.

Link to Live stream: click here.

Flowers or donations made in Ed Coy’s honor may be sent to the Huron River Methodist Church.

We will cherish the memories of Ed Coy. His humor, smile, laughter, and wonderful stories in our hearts forever. May he rest in peace.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Ginger L. Craig

Ginger L. Craig, age 62, of Pittsford, MI, passed away on January 10, 2025, in Hillsdale, MI. She was born on August 22, 1962, in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Hargus and Patty (Smith) May.

Ginger had a big heart, always helping others. She loved making a big meal and enjoyed inviting others into her home. Ginger made everyone feel like family and was known as the neighborhood mom. She enjoyed the simple things in life, like her coffee and cigarettes, and country music. Most of all, she loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by four children, Christopher May, Terry (Aubrey) Craig, Angela Craig, and Justin (Jennifer) Craig; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; her siblings, Randy May and Robin Wood. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Etta Sizemore, granddaughter, Britney Sizemore, and three brothers, Douglas May, Jerry May, and Ronald May.

Visitation will be at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

A private burial will be held at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Munith.

Donna Anderson Palmer

Donna B. Anderson Palmer, of Chelsea, MI, age 90, passed away on December 15, 2024.

She was born on May 4, 1934 in Manistee, MI, the daughter of John L. and Ada (Holmes) Anderson. She graduated from Manistee High School in 1951. She attended the University of Michigan's first four-year nursing program, graduating with her BSN in 1956.

Donna met George L. Palmer in 1956, and they married on her birthday, May 4, 1957 in Manistee, MI. She worked alongside her husband and they owned and operated Palmer Motor Sales, Michigan's oldest Ford dealership, until their retirement in 1997. They traveled the world, but their favorite place was Frederiksted, St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. They spent 40 winters there. In 2014, Donna moved to the Chelsea Retirement Community, where she resided until her passing.

Faith, family, and music were core parts of Donna’s life. She was an active member of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church for many years, where she was very active in the music program. She sang in the Chancel choir, and she accompanied the choirs, played the organ, and directed handbell and singing choirs. She also played piano in the pit of several musical productions at Chelsea High School and directed a select men’s quartet. She loved playing the organ and the piano. Music lit up her life. She recently played her favorite hymn, "Children of the Heavenly Father."

She is survived by two daughters, Suzie Palmer Weber of Chelsea, MI, and Carol Palmer of Denver, CO; two grandsons, John Weber and Matt Weber; and foreign exchange-daughter, Tiina and family in Helsinki, Finland ; a sister-in-law, Mary Palmer Becker, and many nieces and nephews. Donna was preceded in death by husband, George; son-in-law, Biff Weber; her parents, three siblings, an infant son, and several nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 1:00 p.m., at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 2-8 p.m.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Chelsea First United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10-11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the George L. Palmer Scholarship Fund. Checks should be made to Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, 333 W. Fort St., Suite 2010, Detroit, MI 48226. Put in memo line: Palmer Scholarship.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Rose Maher McKenzie

Rose Maher McKenzie, of Lima Township, Michigan, passed away on January 10, 2025, peacefully in her home with her husband by her side.

She was born the daughter of James and Monica (Trapp) Maher on September 9, 1954, in Jackson, Michigan. She was a graduate of Lumen Christi High School in 1972 and Western Michigan University in 1976. On August 26, 1978, in Jackson, Michigan, she married Gregory McKenzie. Rose was a fiercely loyal person to her family and a dedicated special education teacher for the Jackson County Intermediate School District, retiring after her 40-year career with the district in 2016.

She was an avid paper crafter and excelled at it alongside many longtime friends. A lifelong reader, she instilled her love of books and value of education throughout her family. She cherished her time watching and cheering her children run cross country and track for Chelsea High school and beyond. She relished trips with her siblings and their spouses through the U.S. and abroad.

In addition to her husband Greg, she is survived by her children, James (Heena Jiwani) McKenzie, Amanda (Christopher) Poirot, and Courtney (Joseph) Haroney. She is also survived by her mother, Monica Maher; siblings, Christine (Dean Jr.) Rainey, James (Deborah Rainey) Maher, and Erin (Mark) Bushinski, and uncle and aunt Mary Ann (Bob) Rainey. Also surviving are Greg’s siblings, Jeffrey McKenzie and Brian (Nancy) McKenzie; as well as many nieces and nephews. Rose was preceded in death by her father, James Maher; her father- and mother-in-law, Archie and Dorothy McKenzie, and a brother, Patrick Maher, and sister-in-law, Kathryn Maher.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. There will be a gathering at the church at 10:00 a.m. prior to Mass, with remembrances and a luncheon after in the St. Mary Parish Hall. A private family burial will be at a later date.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Sandra Ann Bell

June 6, 1947 - January 4, 2025

Sandra Ann Bell, age 77, of Gregory, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. Born on June 6, 1947, to John and Ann (Shay) Cashin, Sandy spent most of her life as a cherished member of the Livingston County community.

For 38 years, Sandy was a dedicated employee at DAPCO Industries in Dexter. She was well-known for her vibrant social nature and could often be found sharing stories and laughter with friends at the Gregory Pub. She delighted in trying her luck at the casino, particularly during holiday seasons.

Above all else, Sandy's greatest joy came from time spent with her beloved family. She was a loving and devoted mother to Ann Tillman of Pinckney, David (Isabel) Cashin of Stockbridge, and Matt (Julia) Bell of Pinckney. Her role as grandmother brought her immense pride and happiness, as she cherished her four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Sandra is survived by her loving siblings: John Cashin of Brooklyn, Barb Yoakum of Oregon, Deborah Adair, and Sharon Carpenter of Gregory. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, William Van Blaircum and Clair H. Bell, her brother Rick Cashin, her sister Marianne Douglas, and her beloved nephew Jeffrey.

Visitation will be held at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home in Stockbridge on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 p.m., and on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, January 11, 2025, 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Mary Barrett officiating. Burial will follow at Pinckney Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Patricia L. Rickelmann

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia Louise Rickelmann, age 84, of Manchester, MI. She passed away at her home on Friday, January 3rd, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished friend. Pat was known for her kind heart, unwavering generosity, and boundless love for her family.

Pat was born in Linden, Michigan on June 12th, 1940. She married Edwin A. Rickelmann on April 15, 1963 in Ann Arbor, MI. They resided in Manchester for over 60 years, and he survives her. Pat was the proud mother of six children: Charlotte (Peter) Petrick, Colette Rickelmann, Todd (Andrea) Rickelmann, Lisa (Robert) Blumenauer, Bart Rickelmann, and Sherry Howard.

She found great joy in watching her family grow and was a devoted grandma to 12 grandchildren whose lives she touched with wisdom, warmth, and affection: Alanna (Cole) Amstutz, Aurora Rickelmann, Jakob Howard, Augustus Rickelmann, Kurtis Blumenauer, Bryce Howard, Russell Howard, Katelyn Blumenauer, Cecilia Howard, Payton Rickelmann, Wyatt Rickelmann, Brody Rickelmann; and two great-granddaughters: Everly and Whitley Amstutz. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Jo Olmstead, and brother, Lawrence Langley. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Langley.

Pat had a passion for gardening, always tending to her flowers and plants with care and joy. Her love for nature was reflected in her whimsical gardens and her overflowing bird feeders. She also had a gift for baking, often filling her home with freshly baked cookies, pies, and breads, which she shared with family and friends alike. Additionally she enjoyed the craft of rug hooking and her ladies rug hooking time.

Pat was known for her quiet strength, her compassionate spirit, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love, creativity and devotion will live on in her children, grandchildren and the countless lives she touched.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 5-7 p.m., as well as at the church on Wednesday from 10-11 a.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church: Feed the Hungry.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Stephen G. Hastings, DVM

Stephen G. Hastings, DVM, age 90, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2024 at his home in Lyndon Twp, MI surrounded by loved ones.

Steve grew up in Oradell, New Jersey, where he developed a love for animals and academics early on. He went to Rutgers University for his undergrad at the young age of sixteen, where he was a letter winner on the Scarlet Knights soccer team in 1952. Steve went on to get his VMD at the University of Pennsylvania, and then his Master of Science in Radiology and Radiation Biology at Colorado State, as well as his Master of Philosophy. He began his career in Wyoming as the Deputy State Veterinarian in 1958, where he worked on ranches and specialized in artificial insemination, a field that reflected his dedication to innovation in animal care. He had twelve years of experience in cardiovascular research at Parke Davis & Company. He used his cardiovascular research background to start his own privately owned research facility, Dexter Institute for Cardiovascular Research. In 1962, he relocated to Washtenaw County, MI, and then founded the Dexter Animal Clinic in 1975, where he cared for animals with compassion until his retirement in 1999.

A true lover of nature and the outdoors, Steve found joy in tending to his beautiful property where he fed a variety of birds, cultivated dahlia and lily gardens, and welcomed deer that wandered up to his home. Steve was a generous and fair man, as well as very knowledgeable in many fields. He enjoyed reading everything about WWII. He had a brilliant mind and had a talent for working with computers. He found joy in old John Deere tractors. He was adventurous, and enjoyed traveling across Europe. He found a home away from home in Maryland sailing on his sailboat, the Spanish Mood, across the Chesapeake Bay.

Most of all, Steve was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, and saw them as his greatest accomplishment. Steve is survived by four children, Mike (Kathleen) Hastings of Texas, Greg Hastings of Chelsea, Laurie (Brian) Terhune of Traverse City, and Nancy (Dan) Pagliarini of Chelsea; also nine grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jim Hastings and Pete Hastings, the mother of his children, Joanne Sherbak, and his special companion, Micki Baughn.

All services will be private. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Steve's name may do so to the National Wildlife Federation.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Jeannie G. Aten

Jeannie Grace (Cook) Aten, age 87 of Chelsea, MI, passed away on December 27, 2024, at Chelsea Retirement Community. Jeannie was born on October 13, 1937, in Lansing, MI to Carl and Norma (Bush) Cook. Jeannie had lived in the Chelsea area since 1990, moving from Pinckney. She graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor's in social work, then earned her master's degree from the University of Michigan. She worked in the field of social work as a family counselor for 35 years. Jeannie loved being outside and was an excellent swimmer. She also loved to travel.

On June 23, 1956, she married Wendell Rowley Aten. He passed away on November 24, 2022. They were married 67 years. Surviving are four children, Fredrick (Kari) Aten of Minnesota, Rebecca (Ross Lybrink) Aten of Howell, MI, Vicki (Don) Alcorn of Florida, and Tice (Erika) Aten of Florida; four grandchildren: Sam, Brandon, Matthew, and Tyler; and three great-grandchildren: Ainsley, Abilene, and Hendrix. She is preceded in death by her brother, Reid Cook.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, where the family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. Immediately following the service, her ashes will be interred in the scattering gardens at the Chelsea First United Methodist Church, followed by light refreshments in the church’s fellowship hall.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea First United Methodist Church or Chelsea District Library.

Charles Justus Feighner

Charles Justus Feighner, known to many as “Charlie” or “Chas,” age 62, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on December 29, 2024.

Charles was born on February 5, 1962, to parents Charles R. and Leona (Stahl) Feighner.  He graduated from Riverside High School in Dearborn Heights, MI.  Shortly afterwards, he went into the elevator trade, beginning with construction of the “new” Renaissance Center in Detroit.  He earned licenses as both a journeyman elevator mechanic and elevator contractor and was a member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 36 for 40 years, prior to retirement. 

Charlie appreciated and found peace in nature and the outdoors, thus greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time at his cabin “up north.”  Indoors, he found comfort and satisfaction from cooking, which included preparing his famous yellow cake (from the box) with chocolate frosting for family and friends on birthdays—made perhaps not from scratch, but with so much love every time.  Though incredibly humble, his intelligence was unmistakable to those who knew him—which included making the New York Times crossword puzzle he loved doing every day look effortless.  He adored his cat “Little” and his bird “Buddy.” He had the most amazing sense of humor, sometimes self-deprecating, often surreal —one of the many gifts he bestowed upon his children.  Above all else in Charlie’s life was the love he had for his family.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Cathy; his dear children: Christopher, Alexander (Kaitlin), Amanda (Jeffrey) Haag, and Matthew Gillespie; his daughter-in-law, Jody Carpa Covey; his stepchildren: Sam, Connor, Erica, and Nicky; and his cherished grandchildren: Charlie, Kian, Christopher, and Leon. 

He will also be greatly missed by his siblings: Laura Guysky, Rebecca, Erich (Ellen), Celeste (Jim) Kraft, Christian (Kim), and Joy (Andy) Thompson.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Kristie, his eldest son, Charles W. Feighner, his parents, Charles R. and Leona (Stahl) Feighner, and his brother, Kurt Feighner.

Thank you to everyone for your support and kindness during this difficult time.  Charlie will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be Friday, January 3, 2025 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Crossroads Community Church (Rosary at 7:00 p.m.) and Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 2:00-3:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will happen Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at the Crossroads Community Church, 28900 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon, MI 48178.

 Expressions of sympathy may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital