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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.

Robert "Bob" Shepherd

of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of West Farmington, Ohio and Detroit, age 78, died unexpectedly  Saturday, February 1, 2020 at his home. He was born August 24, 1941 in Warren, Ohio, the son of Robert “Leonard” & Velma (Rathburn) Shepherd. Bob is survived by his wife, of 59 years, Karen Rose Shepherd, daughter Kelly Carvalho of Clarkston MI, daughter Kayla Shepherd of Chelsea MI, sister Lesta Lynch of TX, Son in Law and “Best Friend” Jack Carvalho, granddaughter Ashtyn Rose, and grandson Camryn Robert Carvalho. Bob is preceded in death by his parents and half-brother, Ken Love.

   Bob graduated from W Farmington Ohio High School in 1961. In that same year Bob married High School Sweetheart Karen Rose McIntosh of West Farmington, OH. Soon after Bob moved to Detroit Mi and commenced his Lineman Apprenticeship.  In 1965, Bob began his electrical career as a lifelong proud IBEW member working for Harlan Electrical Construction of Southfield, MI. In 1969, Bob embarked on a 23-year journey working for the City of Detroit Public Lighting Commission. August 9, 1992 echoed in the next phase of Bob’s professional career working as Superintendent of Chelsea Electric until his retirement in January 2003. Chelsea’s “Robert G Shepherd – Substation”, commemorates Bob’s service and dedication to the community in which he lived, worked, and grew to love.

Virginia "Ginny" Sayers

of Chelsea, age 94, died Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at Silver Maples of Chelsea. She was born August 19, 1925, in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Lyle & Beulah (Baker) Utsler.
 
She graduated from Dexter High School, then went to St. Joseph Nursing School. Ginny worked as an RN at King-Seeley, then Ann Arbor Family Practice. She retired from the Ann Arbor VA Hospital. Ginny liked playing scrabble and “words with friends” on the internet. She also enjoyed euchre.

Cora Johnson Bell

Cora Johnson Bell of Ann Arbor, age 85, died Monday, January 13, 2020, at her home. She was born August 6, 1934, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the daughter of William Arthur & Ida Mae (Holmes) Brown.
 
Cora attended the Madonna Parish in Detroit, where she served for many years. She worked for the school district of Highland Park for 34 years. Cora enjoyed bowling and loved spending time with her family and friends. She had a joyful spirit, and everyone loved to be around her. Cora told the truth in a direct, yet loving way.

Marian Schad

Marian Schad of Dexter, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2020. She was born February 18, 1931 in Boissevain, Manitoba, Canada, to James and Annie (Dennett) Ball. As a girl growing up in England, she enjoyed running track (nicknamed “Fly”), field hockey and Girl Guides. She knitted socks for the soldiers during WWII and cared for her younger siblings when her mother passed.
Marian was an active member of the Dexter Church of Christ.  She steadfastly followed God since her youth and remained a faithful servant her whole life. She worked at A&P Grocery for many years. Despite hardships along the way, she never lost her fire and determination to carry on. She was tenacious, independent, and always came out of trials stronger than before.
She enjoyed gardening, baking, and hosting. Her genuine delight for company always made guests feel welcomed and loved. It was impossible to visit her home and not be blessed by her tasty cooking or baking. She will be especially remembered for her pie making and welcoming spirit.

Betty M. (Mast) Denton Parmer

Betty M. (Mast) Denton Parmer, of Jackson, MI, formerly of Dexter,  age 90, passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Arbor Manor in Spring Arbor, Michigan.  Betty was born April 25, 1929, in the second house ever built on Buena Vista St. in the Old West Side of Ann Arbor, daughter of Walter & May Anne (Kleinschmidt) Mast.  She attended Bach Elementary School until she, her mom, dad and big brother Glen moved out to Webster (Cottonwood Farm) when she was about 12.   She then went to a one-room schoolhouse on the corner of Webster Church Rd. and Farrell Rd. and attended Webster Church, as has four generations of her family.  As she grew older she headed into town to attend Dexter High School, where she was a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen.  She married Paul Denton and they had four children: Charlie, Paula, Laura and Tommy and raised them in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area.  She was the quintessential homemaker.  She sewed beautiful dresses (for the girls as well as their Barbies), made great Sunday dinners, baked delicious pies, cookies, and cakes (she was an expert cake decorator), threw wonderful birthday parties, and sometimes she even made homemade noodles.  She sang in the church choir and gave the neighbor ladies perms.  The Denton home was the go-to spot for all the neighborhood kids.