Jan Dresselhouse

of Chelsea, Michigan, age 85, died Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born February 26, 1938 in Livonia, Michigan, the daughter of Roy M. & Dorothy Van Atta.  Jan graduated from Northville High School. She worked at the bank to put Jerry through college, and left work to raise her children.  She and Jerry moved to Chelsea in 1970. She was an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. Jan enjoyed her chickens and selling eggs. 

Carol Bender

Of Gregory, Michigan, age 71, died Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Trinity Health in Ann Arbor. She was born August 2, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Peter and Eleanore (Jensen) Bender.

Phyllis Ann Howell

Phyllis Howell, a remarkable and beloved wife and mother, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at the University of Michigan Hospital. She had suffered a heart attack in her home ten days prior.  Phyllis, born on February 21, 1955, in Jamestown, NY, was the daughter of William Chapin Keyes and Pauline Phyllis (Sparling) Keyes.

Phyllis graduated from Greece Arcadia High School in 1973. Her talent and dedication were recognized early on when she won a piano competition in High School, allowing her to perform with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. She then pursued higher studies at SUNY-Fredonia in New York, and obtained her Master of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Michigan. Throughout her musical journey, Phyllis had the privilege of studying under esteemed teachers, including her own mother (Pauline Keyes), Claudette Sorel, and Theodore Lettvin. Additionally, she spent a year at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London.

Enthusiastic in sharing her love of music, she went on to immerse herself in the vibrant musical community of Ann Arbor. As a passionate teacher, she immediately grew a studio of 40 students after her graduation. Phyllis offered piano lessons in her home and was especially talented at accompanying and sight-reading, accompanying numerous students at local schools as well as accompanying and even once directing the Michigan Women’s Glee Club.

Theodore Frank "Ted" Kokenakes

of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Ann Arbor, age 87, died Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at the Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born January 10, 1936, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Frank John and Younoula “Jennie” Kokenakes.

Ted was a graduate of Ann Arbor High School. He owned and worked for several party stores in the Ann Arbor area. Ted retired from the University of Michigan where he worked in the Housing Department. He enjoyed playing the piano, traveling and U of M sports. Ted had a kind heart and touched the lives of many. For Ted, family was everything.