Phyllis Virginia Stepp
of Howell, MI, formerly of Chelsea and Jackson, age 88, died Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Medilodge of Howell. She was born August 7, 1932 in Chelsea, Michigan, the daughter of Kenneth R. & Harriet J. (Stofer) Piatt. Phyllis graduated from Chelsea High School in 1950. She retired from Chelsea Milling Company after 40 years, and during many of those working years she also served and bar tendered at Stiver's Restaurant. Phyllis was the rock of her family, Early on as the sole breadwinner of the family in the 60’s and 70’s she worked long hours to provide for her children. Later in life she continued to stay in close contact with and continued to support her family in numerous ways until she was no longer able. This loving and generous lady will be missed by all she knew.
of Jackson, MI, formerly of Chelsea and Lansing, age 86, died Monday, February 15, 2021 at Henry Ford Allegiance in Jackson. He was born July 25, 1934 in Mattawan, MI, the son of Samuel I. & Mildred (Anson) Alguire. Sam graduated from Plainwell High School in 1952, and earned his Bachelor’s and Master's Degrees in Geology at Michigan State University. He worked for the State of Michigan for 40 years supervising drilling for oil and gas, mostly in Albion, St. Clair, Macomb, and Hillsdale Counties, retiring in 1996. Sam was an active member of the Mount Hope United Methodist Church in Lansing, and of the First United Methodist Church in Chelsea. In his retirement, he volunteered in the church tape ministry, and teaching refugee families how to drive. He was a member of the Michigan Basin Geological Society and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Sam was also part of Alzheimer's groups in Lansing and in Ann Arbor.
of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, age 90 passed away Wednesday, February 3rd at his home. He was born December 6, 1930, in Marshall County, Indiana to Esta E. and Flossie Marie (Walterhouse) Van Gilder. On September 6th, 1952, Donald married Margie Jean Connon and she survives. He is also survived by sons, Terry (Thresa) Van Gilder of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, Daniel (Brenda) Van Gilder of Leo, Indiana, and daughter, Lori (Brad) Critchfield of Grass Lake, Michigan. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. In addition, his brothers, Richard Van Gilder and Larry Van Gilder survive.