Obituaries

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.

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.

Thomas Edward Denton

Thomas Edward “Tommy” Denton was born on March 19, 1961 with a head of curly red hair. Tommy grew up and went to school in Ypsi, Ann Arbor, and Dexter.  He took great pride in being good at everything – he could lift anything, fix anything, move anything, repair anything, play any sport – he could do anything and do it well.  He even made the best green bean casserole at Thanksgiving every year and sang in a professional Opera in San Diego when he was 13. Tommy was also very good at eating anything anyone else didn’t want or didn’t like and he was always there if you needed help with something. He was a HUGE UM Wolverines and Detroit Lions fan and he was really into wolves.