Obituaries

Raymond Walter Niles Jr.

Raymond Walter Niles Jr. of Munith, Michigan, age 93, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2026, at his home. He was born February 8, 1933, in Saline, Michigan, the son of Raymond Walter and Ruth Rosinia (Lindenschmidt) Niles, Sr.

Raymond graduated from Saline High School in 1951 and then earned an associate's degree from American River Junior College in California. Raymond served 9 years in the US Navy Reserves. He started as a mechanic and then worked as Radar Operator. Raymond worked as a Mechanical Designer for Gar Wood Truck Company and Aerojet-General Corporation, which was a rocket and missile propulsion manufacturer for the space industry in California, from 1959-1966. During that time, he also worked with McDonnell Douglas where he worked on the Saturn V. Raymond then worked with Gelman Sciences where he worked on electrophoresis blood machines before moving back to California to design hard drives. Raymond built and enjoyed flying his remote control airplane and enjoyed reading historical nonfiction. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Chelsea and helped manage the church's cemetery.

David Scharphorn

David Scharphorn of Jackson, Michigan, formerly of Chelsea, Michigan, age 92 passed away Monday, August 24, 2026, at Legacy Assisted Living in Jackson. He was born on October 25, 1933, in Allendale, Michigan, the son of Joseph and Dena (Manning) Scharphorn.

David attended Zeeland High School. After graduation, he went on to attend Grand Rapids Junior College before transferring to the University of Michigan, where he obtained a Mechanical Engineering Degree. David worked on engines for several companies and was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers. He was also a member of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) and was a private pilot. Their farm included an airstrip and hanger, allowing them to make many trips across the United States and Canada in their private plane. David enjoyed farming, flying, and riding bicycles.

Therese Marie Donahue

Therese Marie Donahue of Potterville, formerly of Chelsea, Grand Rapids, Essexville, Ossineke, Parchment, and Ypsilanti, age 78, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. She was born October 6, 1947, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Frank Henry and Mary Cecilia (Dolan) Donahue.

Therese and her twin sister were baptized Catholic and later became Dominican Sisters for a period of time in 1989. She graduated from Marywood Academy in Grand Rapids, earned her bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College in 1972, and eventually earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan. She worked as a middle and high school teacher in the Catholic Diocese of Traverse City; she was a Catholic Associate Pastor, ACSW, Realtor, and U.S. Rural Route Postal Carrier. Therese was a social worker for the State of Michigan Correction Facility in Jackson. She retired from the Ann Arbor Veteran's Hospital. Therese was a member / volunteer for the Chelsea Wellness Center.

Ronald Vernon Satterthwaite

 Of Chelsea, Michigan, age 89, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2026, at his home in Chelsea. He was born May 20, 1937, in Chelsea, Michigan, the son of Vernon J. and Edna C. (Ortbring) Satterthwaite.