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Obituaries

These obituaries are listed in order from newest to oldest.  If you want to look for a specific obituary, just type the last name in the search bar (at the top of this article).  You can click here to sign up to receive obituaries by e-mail.

Kenneth Clarence Toney

Of Ann Arbor, MI, age 84, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, February 4, 2023, at his home. He was born September 28, 1938, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Alvin R. & Lucille (Guenther) Toney.
 
Ken graduated from Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, and then joined the Army where he was a cook. He worked for Western-Southern Life Insurance for many years, retiring in 2003. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling to Alaska multiple times, working crossword puzzles, and working part-time for Parts Peddler delivering parts. Ken was an avid fisherman his entire life, with his greatest “fish tale” being his 244 lb halibut he caught by himself on his first trip to Alaska. Ken was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea, where he was very involved in church dinners, including lead chef for the Christmas dinners for 20 years. Ken was awarded Humanitarian of the Year by Faith in Action in 2016. He also volunteered for the Chelsea Community Fair. He was very friendly, and enjoyed talking and joking with everyone.

Patricia "Pat" J. Russell

of Chelsea, Michigan.  Patricia died peacefully on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at the age of 92. Born September 26, 1930 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Walter Kranich and Edith White Kranich, Pat was the oldest of three daughters. Pat attended Fritz Elementary School and Ann Arbor High School. On April 27, 1948 she married the love of her life Guy Patrick Russell. They made their home in Ypsilanti, Michigan until their move to Chelsea, Michigan in 1972. Pat and Guy bought an 1860’s farm house and she delighted in keeping the farmhouse historically accurate. She inspired those around her with knowledge of period decorating. Pat was passionate about collecting primitives and other antiques that were period to her house. She was very knowledgeable about growing herbs and had beautiful herb gardens. Pat was an incredibly creative person and was very generous with her time. She was involved with the Waterloo Farm Museum ( Waterloo, Mi ) for many years. Pat was always kind, charming and elegant. She took delight in her family which she made the center of her life.

Lois Ellena Thurston

Of Grass Lake, Michigan, age 86, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born April 25, 1936 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Lewis & Rita (Tice) Elsifor.
 
  Lois was a member of Silver Streaks and Silver Threads with the Chelsea Seniors and a member of the Waterloo Historical Society.  She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church and former altar care member. Lois retired from NSK Bearing Company in Ann Arbor, after 40 years of employment.

Phyllis Joan Kalmbach

Phyllis Kalmbachof Chelsea, MI, aged 91, died peacefully in her sleep, after a short illness, Tuesday, January 24, 2023. She was born July 18, 1931 in Ann Arbor Michigan, the daughter of Walter A. and Elsie M. Heydlauff Kalmbach.

Phyllis graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1955 with a degree in education, and went on to earn a Masters Degree from the University of Michigan. She taught elementary school, mainly second grade, in Jackson until she retired in 1989.  She was also an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for many years. Phyllis was the organist for Salem Grove Methodist Church for over fifty years. She also served as the church treasurer, taught vacation Bible school many summers, and helped with the Christmas tree/Craft Sale every December.

Peter J. Severn

Of Chelsea, Michigan, age 94, died Sunday, January 22, 2023, at his home. He was born December 2, 1928, in Elkton, Michigan, the son of Nelson & Mary Ann (Higgs) Severn.

Hailing from Elkton, a tiny town in the “thumb” of Michigan, Pete was first a state park ranger, and then owner-operator of a service station, before arriving at the U-M in 1960. Pete was one of a handful of master glassblowers maintained on staff by major teaching institutions across the country. During his tenure, Pete created and manufactured glass objects integral to research through the U-M community. His work also provided items used in the world’s first artificial heart transplant as well as in NASA explorations. Pete retired January 31,1991. After retirement, Pete established his own business, a consultancy to various research and development concerns. He loved golf and put together a little series of golf outings for his department at U-M every summer. Pete also enjoyed playing the guitar and was a member of the First United Methodist Church.