Obituaries

Richard L. "Dicky" Smith

Of Chelsea, Michigan, age 76, transitioned to Heaven on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Chelsea. He was born January 3, 1944 in Hillsdale, MI, the son of Richard Arthur and Ethel Marie (Sanders) Smith. He had two sisters, Diane Wieland who preceded him in death, and Janet Ward, who survives.

Dicky graduated from Jackson High School in 1962. During his working life, he had various jobs, but Dicky was most proud of his career at Chrysler Proving Grounds. Dicky started that career in 1972 at various positions until he landed at the wind tunnel team as driver/mechanic. He proudly honored that position until his retirement in 2002, with the knowledge of a job well done. He became a member of the First Congregational Church of Chelsea in 1999 and always had a smile and a handshake. He was most proud of his role as head of building and grounds. He loved working with the youth on mission trips, showing his talent, wisdom and teaching the value of hard work, always with a smile and a wink.

Sharleen Eisenbeiser

Of Chelsea, Michigan, age 82, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 in Chelsea, Michigan. She was born June 1, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Everett G. & Beatrice A. (Job) Seamans.  Shar graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 1956. She attended U of M Nursing school, graduating in 1960. Shar worked as a nurse at U of M for a few years, and then as a public health nurse in the Flint area. She left nursing to raise her children, then went to work at Chelsea Community Hospital as a Unit Secretary in the early 80's, and retired after 25 years.

Michael Claude Gipson

Of Jackson, Michigan, age 56, died Tuesday, November 24, 2020, in Jackson. He was born February 27, 1964, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Claude J. Gipson and Mary Jo (Apel) Boyer.

Mike graduated from Chelsea High School in 1982, and worked at Terumo from 1988 until the time of his death. Mike enjoyed bowling at Chelsea Lanes and was an avid Playstation gamer.

Shirley Ann Sampier

Of Dexter, MI. Shirley died peacefully at age 83, on Sunday, November 22, 2020 after succumbing to the inevitable progression of Lewy body dementia. Her husband of 17 years, Jim Buschmann, was at her bedside as she passed away. Shirley was born July 15, 1937 and raised in Milan, MI, the daughter of Dana McKinley and Frieda J. (Wendt) Sampier. She graduated from Lincoln High School and then from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in teaching. Shirley taught on and off for years in Grand Haven, Ypsilanti and surrounding towns. She also held business manager positions with several enterprises in Western Michigan.