Search Archived Marriage Records
Lusis, Ludmila “Lucy”
Saline, MI
An accomplished survivor who was devoted to family and loved to travel, Ludmila “Lucy” Lusis, a 91-year-old resident of the Evangelical Home in Saline passed away Thursday, January 22, 2009 of old age. She was surrounded by excellent caregivers and loving family. Lucy enjoyed a full and wonderful life. Born on October 27, 1917 in Moscow, Russia, she was the first-born child of Anna and Janis Bagatais. She loved her brothers Juris, Arnold, Nikolas, Igars and sister Mara dearly. In 1936, she married
Andrew Ritins, a soldier in the Latvian Army who served in WWII and was sent to the front and killed in 1944. With WWII raging, now a single mother and with her younger brother and other relatives already shipped off to Siberia, 25-year-old Lucy feared both the Nazi and Russian Regimes. At that time, she was attending university and raising her young daughter Maya and sister Mara. She decided to take the children and a sewing machine and escape, eventually finding her way to a German Displaced Person's camp. After the war, Lucy used her multi-language skills to get admitted into an American Displaced Person's camp and eventually got passage to the United States with help from her half-sister Alexandra Breivo who was already a U.S. resident. Once in America, Lucy settled in Southfield, MI and in 1948, married
August M. Jacobson, with whom she had a son Michael. After August passed away in 1977, she married
Evalds Lusis in 1985. Lucy was proud of her Latvian heritage and thankful to have escaped the war. Once in America, she worked with the Lutheran Charities of Michigan to help settle hundreds of war displaced people into the USA. She worked as a dental assistant in Detroit, MI for a decade. Then, she owned and operated the Liberty Babysitting Agency, and ran it successfully for eight years. She was an excellent gardener and plant enthusiast, maintaining magnificent gardens at her Southfield home as well as in her home in Sedona, AZ. She loved her family and friends and with her great intelligence, quick wit and dry sense of humor, spent every holiday making theirs more enjoyable. At every party, family and friends enjoyed her signature Latvian pastry - piragi. Lucy is survived by her beloved brother, Juris Bagatais of Riga, Latvia; sister, Mara E. Mossman of Las Vegas, NV; daughter, Maya Savarino of Ann Arbor, MI; son, Michael E. Jacobson and his wife, Barbara S. Jacobson of Carefree, AZ; eight grandchildren, Stephanie Savarino, Julie A. Savarino, Peter J. Savarino and Christina Savarino Wade, all of Ann Arbor, Joseph M. Savarino and August M. Jacobson of Phoenix, AZ, Brett S. Jacobson of Nashville, TN and Margaret M. Jacobson of Oberlin, OH; nephew, Eric K. Westerlund of Las Vegas, NV and niece, Leah M. Westerlund of Fenton, MI. Her three great grandchildren are Joseph R. Wade, Nicholas P. Wade and Michael K. Savarino who brought her great joy in her last few months. She also enjoyed the love of a large, extended family and many friends. She will be greatly missed by all. A celebration of Lucy's life will be held 1-00 pm Sunday, January 25 at Stark Funeral Service, 101 S. Washington Street, Ypsilanti 48197, 734-482-4900. A reception will follow at Washtenaw Country Club, 2955 Packard Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, 734-434-2150. For those who so choose, donations to Habitat of Humanity of Huron Valley will be greatly appreciated in Lucy's honor and memory.
Lux, Sally
Ypsilanti, MI
Age 72, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. She was born August 26, 1936 in Midland, MI, the daughter of Herbert and Olive (Finney) Deitsch. She married
Benjamin Lux in Midland and he preceded her in death. Sally was a teacher in the Ann Arbor Public School System for 30 years and she worked at the Ypsi/Arbor Bowling Alley Kids' Program for 20 years. Survivors include- two sons, Scott (Jennifer) Lux of Ypsilanti and Jeremy (Amy) Lux of SC; five grandchildren, Adam, Jessica, Jason, Sasha and Alexandra; her mother, Olive Deitsch of Midland; two sisters, Marianne (Guy) Drayton of Gobles, MI and Diane (Harry) Andrews of Midland; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her father and one sister, Linda. A celebration of her life will be held 3-00 pm Saturday, January 24, 2009 at Stark Funeral Service Moore Memorial Chapel with Pastor Fred Davis officiating. Cremation will follow. Contributions in her memory may be made to the family for her grandchildren's college fund. Envelopes are available at the funeral home where the family will receive friends Noon-4 and 6-9 pm Friday.
McGriff, Mavis
Ypsilanti, MI
Age 78, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2009 in TN. She was born December 12, 1930 in Cullman, AL, the daughter of Shadice and Lovie (Taylor) Campbell. On April 2, 1949, she married
Huey McGriff in MS and he preceded her in death November 22, 2002. Mavis worked for Canteen Food Service for 30 years, retiring in 1992. She was a member of the Ypsilanti Church of Christ. Mavis enjoyed being with her family. Survivors include- two daughters, Joyce (Denver) Hogston of TN and Kathy (Danny) Oliver of Ypsilanti; one son, Gerald (Robbin) McGriff of Ypsilanti; twelve grandchildren, James, Louisa, John, Kim, Brian, Kevin, Abbey, Jacob, Rachel, Aaron, Susie and Timmy; six great grandchildren, Kendra, Courtney, Brandon, Gregory, Julia and Alyssa; one sister, Jeanette (Lacy) Daniel of AL; three brothers, Melvin, Charles and Malcolm Campbell, all of AL; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents. The funeral service will be 2-00 pm Saturday, February 7, 2009 at Stark Funeral Service Moore Memorial Chapel with Mr. Gilbert Baldwin officiating. Burial will follow in Highland cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home 4-8 pm Friday.
Nichols, Chase
Ypsilanti, MI
Age 22, passed away suddenly Saturday, January 24, 2009. He was born November 4, 1986 in Ann Arbor. Survivors include- his mother, Lisa Johnston Fitzgerald of Ypsilanti; father, David (Kathleen) Nichols of Belleville; two daughters, Savanah Nicole Blevins and Skyla Lynn Nichols; girlfriend, Jacinda Lynn Jones of Ypsilanti; one brother, Jeremy (Debbie) Fitzgerald of Ypsilanti; one sister, Haley Marie Nichols; maternal grandfather, Richard Otis (Phyllis) Fitzgerald; maternal grandmother, Mary Jane (Wayne) Clark; paternal grandfather, Donald (Char) Nichols; paternal grandmother, Janet (Ray) Hooper; great grandmother, Dorothy Whittaker; uncle, Donny (Pam) Nichols; aunt, Linda (Steve) Hood of SC; and special friend, Jessica. The funeral service will be 2-30 pm Friday, January 30, 2009 at Stark Funeral Service Moore Memorial Chapel. Entombment will follow in Washtenong Memorial Park. Contributions in Chase's memory may be made to the family. Envelopes are available at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 11-00 am until time of service Friday.
Owens, Ray
Ypsilanti, MI
Age 65, passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at Arbor Hospice Residence. He was born March 13, 1943 in Detroit, the son of LeRoy and Phyllis (Keran) Owens. On April 23, 1960, he married
Judy Mulkey. Ray was a member of the Ypsilanti Eagles #2250 and was a self-employed carpenter, electrician and jack-of-all-trades all his life. Survivors include- one daughter, Rae Marie “Missy” Owens of Milan; three grandchildren, Lisa, Donald and David; great grandson, Jacob; mother, Phyllis Stone of Ann Arbor; two sisters, Sue (Dale) Fields of Ann Arbor and Judy Stone of Milan; six brothers, Jim (Betty) Owens and Tom Owens, both of Ann Arbor, John (Patti) Owens of Brooklyn, Mick (Elaine) Stone of Grass Lake, Douglas (Jeanne) Stone of Howell and Robert (Rita) Stone of Brighton; two special friends, Phyllis Good and Barb Stango; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and one daughter. The funeral service will be 11-00 am Friday, January 30, 2009 at Stark Funeral Service Moore Memorial Chapel with Pastor Gordon Moore officiating. Burial will follow in Bethlehem cemetery. Contributions in Ray's memory may be made to Arbor Hospice Residence. Envelopes are available at the funeral home where the family will receive friends 3-9 pm Thursday.
Shaifer, Barbara A. (McWhorter)
London Twp., MI
Age 66, passed away on February 2, 2009 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital with her family by her side. She was born January 15, 1943 in Birmingham, AL to Milton and Mary Ella (Cook) McWhorter, Jr. She moved to Michigan with her father and grandfather after the passing of her mother. She graduated from Milan Area schools in 1961, then began working at the old St. Joseph Hospital and later at the old U of M Hospital as a nurses aide. While preparing for nursing school she had an opportunity to work at Ford Motor Co. in Saline from May of 1964 until a medical retirement in 1994. She enjoyed baking cakes, cookies and candy and was dubbed the “cake lady”. During the years she developed many friendships and from that she began having her annual “Barb's Christmas Party”. During her childhood years she attended Second Baptist Church of Ypsilanti, later Metropolitan Baptist Church with Rev. S.L. Roberson. Later she joined the Community Church of God with friends Eloise Withers and Joan Hunt, under the leadership of Rev. Fred Davis and Rev. Theron (Bill) Kersey. During her time there, she developed many more friends. While there she was involved with fashion shows, shopping trips, calendar teas and the women's committee. For seven years she was secretary for the retiree chapter of Local 892 in Saline. She was preceded in death by an infant son Greg, her daughter Katrina Patterson Rene', mother Mary Ella, two infant brothers, her father, grandfather Milton Sr., and grandmother Flora Cook.She is survived a two sons Jason Shaifer of Livonia and Duane Shaifer of Redford, two granddaughters, Ariel Shaifer of Redford and Dominique Rene' of Woodbridge, VA. A son-in-law Kurt Rene' of Woodbridge and her adopted church moms Johniebell Robinson and Josenia Smith, adopted God daughters Wanda Cleasting, Keisha Coleman and Angie Johnson. The family will receive friends at Ochalek-Stark Funeral Home in Milan on Friday 2-00pm to 8-00pm where a family hour will be held from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be held at the Community Church of God in Ypsilanti at 11-00am Saturday with a family hour from 10-00am until the time of service. Burial will follow at London cemetery, London Twp., Michigan. Those desiring may make contribution to St. Joseph Cancer Care unit.
Thumm, Robert W.
Ypsilanti, MI
Age 90, passed away suddenly Monday, February 2, 2009. He was born October 18, 1918 in Ypsilanti, the son of John and Mae (Roehm) Thumm. In 1940, he married
Avis Wollam in Jonesville, MI and she preceded him in death February 13, 1991. Bob worked for Ford Motor Company, Bomber plant and Generator plant and then, he became a carpenter. He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Survivors include- one son, Dennis (Merle) Thumm of Dearborn Heights; one daughter, Deborah Calhoun of Ypsilanti; eight grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Lamar. The funeral service will be 11-00 am Saturday, February 7, 2009 at Stark Funeral Service Moore Memorial Chapel with Chaplain Ed Brooks officiating. Private burial will take place in Highland cemetery. Contributions in Mr. Thumm's name may be made to the family. Envelopes are available at the funeral home where the family will receive friends 2-8 pm Friday.
Wilbur, Betty E.
Ann Arbor, MI
Age 78, loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2009 in Venice, FL of complications from pulmonary fibrosis and entered the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was born December 9, 1930 in Bonneyman, KY, the daughter of Adrian and Marie (Williamson) Brooks. Betty was a member of Forest Avenue Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and did personal Bible studies. She was also an avid golfer and loved fishing and making memories with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by- her loving husband Richard, of 57 years; children, Michael (Patsy), Douglas (Lori), Debra (Ken) Alexander and George (Patty); grandchildren, Sarah (Brad) Howe, Jonathon (April), David, Brooke, Noah and Trina Slatinski, Alexis and Natalie; great grandchildren, Lillie, Griffin, Isabella, Ivan, Julianne and Drew; brothers, James (Shirley Amanda), Nicholas (Edie) and David (Donna); sisters, Mary Joe Finney, Gayle (Jim) Keene, Peggy Norris and Shirley (Tom) Tucker; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Wanda Sue and brother, Harold. The funeral service will be 11-00 am Saturday, January 24, 2008 at Stark Funeral Service Moore Memorial Chapel with Rev. Ron Clark and Pastor Ralph Crotty co-officiating. Burial will follow in Washtenong Memorial Park. Contributions in her memory may be made to either Forest Avenue Baptist Church General Fund or National Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation. Envelopes are available at the funeral home where the family will receive friends 2-9 pm Friday and from 10-00 am until time of service Saturday.
Williams Sr., Harry L.
Ypsilanti, MI
Age 81, passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2009. He was born September 24, 1927 in Ypsilanti, the son of Elijah and Iva Lee (Clinkscales) Williams. Affectionately known as Harry-O, he was a student of Ypsilanti Public Schools. Harry-O was a World War II combat veteran who served his tour of duty in Japan where he was injured serving his country. On December 4, 1948, he married
Mildred Lee Reddick and they raised eight children. Harry-O accepted Christ as his personal savior and was a member of New Covenant Baptist Church under Pastor Crout. He was an avid fisherman who also enjoyed bowling and pool. He spent countless hours on the fishing bank and he has won many bowling trophies in his best years. Most of all, Harry-O enjoyed passing on the love of his hobbies to all of his children and grandchildren. In addition to his loving wife of 60 years, other survivors include- two daughters, Gloria (Mosheh) Hawkins of Clyde, TX and Karin Williams; four sons, Harry Leon (Cora) Williams Jr. of Tuscaloosa, Bruce Williams, Eric (Theresa) Williams of Redford and Bennie (Venus) Williams of Ypsilanti; three sisters, Ella Mae Robinson, Leona (Jewel) Washington and Winifred (Herman) Parker, all of Ypsilanti; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins who all loved him very much. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Robert Mack Williams, James Alfred Williams and Admiral Louis A. Williams, two daughters, Sheila Stovall and Harriet Clark and one son-in-law, Lynward Stovall. The funeral service will be 11-00 am Saturday, January 31, 2009 at Abundant Life Ministries, 855 E. Clark Road, Ypsilanti with Pastor Jerry Jackson officiating. Burial will follow in United Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 6-8 pm Friday at Stark Funeral Service Moore Memorial Chapel and at the church from 10 am until time of service Saturday.
Cooper, Florence O.
Adrian, MI
Formerly of Milan Age 76 died March 14, 2009 at Lynwood Manor in Adrian with all her children by her side. She was born August 21, 1932 in Lime Stone Cove, Tennessee to Hunter and Mamie (Woodby) Garland. On February 21, 1953 she married
Floyd Eugene Cooper and he preceded her in death on October 13, 1974. Mrs. Cooper lived in Milan since 1953, raised her family and was a devoted wife and mother. Following her husband's death, she worked as a cook for Saline Evangelical Home for over 18 years, until her retirement. She is survived by her children; Charles (Peggie) Cooper, Mark (Karen) Cooper, Linda (Harry) Cline all of Milan, Sandra Cooper of Blissfield, Jeffery Cooper of St. Louis, MO and Joyce (David) Myers of N.Y., 15 grandchildren- Pat, Robert, Shawn, Michael, Joel, Jason, Renee, Zachary, Becky, Megan, Erica, Miles, Hunter, Harry Jr., and Donny, 12 great grandchildren and seven sisters- Hazel Wilson, Betty Raby, Virginia Garland, Kathleen Harvey, Gladys Osborne, Wanda Miller and Carolyn Garland all of Tennessee. Besides her husband she was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers James, Charles and Clyde and a sister Doris. Visitation will be held at Ochalek-Stark Funeral Home, Milan today, ( Monday) from 4-9pm where funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11-00am. With Rev. Gordon Moore officiating. Burial will follow in Rice cemetery, Milan Twp. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee.
Cowles, Paul R.
Willis, MI
Age 46, went home to be with his Lord Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at his home after a short battle with cancer. He was born January 18, 1963 in Lansing, the son of Delores (Wohlfert) Gladstone and late stepfather, James F. Gladstone. He has resided in the Ypsilanti area since 1971. He was a six-year veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a 22-year business owner of Pro Tint. Throughout the many years in business, he was well known, loved and made many wonderful friends. He loved boating, snowmobiling, Harleys, car shows and spending time with his beloved daughter and family. Survivors include- his mother, Delores; daughter, Kayla Cowles; his forever love, Linda Long; five siblings, Debby (Len) Briske of Ludington, MI, Rachele Rainey of Dresden, TN, Sherry Gladstone of Paris, TN, Kevin (Karen) Gladstone and Jimmy Gladstone Jr., both of Ypsilanti; his dear grandmother, Bernice Wohlfert; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his grandfather, Jack Wohlfert and brother-in-law, Philip Rainey. The funeral service will be 2 pm Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Stark Funeral Service Moore Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Delores Gladstone for his minor daughter. Envelopes are available at the funeral home where the family will receive friends 2-4 & 6-9 pm Friday and from 12 noon until time of service Saturday.
Durham, Raemal T. “Rae”
Milan, MI
Age 31, passed away unexpectedly Monday, March 9, 2009. She was born November 10, 1977 in Ypsilanti, MI. Rae was a 1997 graduate of South Lyon High School. She was employed by the University of Michigan. On April 26, 1996, she married
Rodney Durham and he survives. She was a wonderful, loving person and will be greatly missed. In addition to her husband of almost thirteen years other survivors include- two children, Rodney and Desarae; her mother, Kathy Herbertson; her father and stepmother, Allan (Kathleen) Eales; two sisters, Alicia Eales and Lashanda; one brother, Kevin Herbertson; her grandmother, Geraldine Woody; aunt, Raedene Jones; and one niece, Taya Hall. The funeral service will be 11 am Saturday, March 14, 2009 at Stark Funeral Service Moore Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow in London cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to Rodney Durham for their children's education. Envelopes are available at the funeral home where the family will receive friends 2-4 & 6-9 pm Friday.
Gunaca, Dennis W. “Willie G.”
Westland, MI
Age 65, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. He was born January 31, 1944 in Detroit, MI. On July 20, 1996, he married
Vickie Wood and she survives. He worked for General Motors for 37 years, retiring in 2000. He served honorably in the U.S. Army, during the Korean Conflict. Willie G. was an active member of the Eagles Aerie #2250 and the American Legion Post #32 in Livonia. Other survivors include- one son, Scott (Annie) Gunaca; one daughter, Theresa (Stan) Swatz; four stepchildren, Colleena (John) Graf, Liz Goble, Daniel (Diane) Wood and Karen Thomas; two grandchildren, Scott and Erica Gunaca; six stepgrandchildren; and one great grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hershel and Millie Berner. The funeral service will be 1-30 pm Friday, March 13, 2009 at Stark Funeral Service Moore Memorial Chapel. Memorials in his honor may be made to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Envelopes are available at the funeral home where the family will greet friends 5-9 pm Thursday where there will be an Eagles Memorial Service at 7 pm.
Haydon Jr., Clifton “Clif”
Ypsilanti, MI
He began walking the street of gold at age 84 on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at home. Clif was born May 14, 1924 in Ypsilanti, the son of Clifton P. and Nellie (Wright) Haydon Sr. On December 20, 1942, he married
Hiawatha Johnson in Toledo, OH and she preceded him in death June 2, 2005. Clif was a member of South Side Baptist Tabernacle, where he helped build the church. He was a hi-lo driver for General Motors Hydramatic plant, was a WW II veteran in the U.S. Navy and was a blooming artist. Survivors include- three daughters, Mabel Ott of Tecumseh, Joan (Paul) Engle of Ypsilanti and Nancy (Norman) Wood of NC; three sons, Robert (Sandi) Haydon of Oscoda, MI, Clifton (Nancy) Haydon of Constantine, MI and Daniel (Faye) Haydon of Ypsilanti; 22 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; one sister, Ruby Eadie of FL; one brother, Charles (Netia) Haydon of Ypsilanti; his loving dog, Peanut; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, one son, one brother, one sister and one grandson. The funeral service will be 11-00 am Wednesday February 25, 2009 at South Side Baptist Tabernacle, 6710 Textile Road, Ypsilanti with Rev. Jimmy Walker officiating. Burial will follow in Highland cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to either the MI Humane Society or Camp Achor. Envelopes are available at Stark Funeral Service Moore Memorial Chapel where the family will receive friends 6-9 pm tonight, 2-4 & 6-9 pm Tuesday and at the church from 10 am until time of service Wednesday.
Hays, Marguerite
Ypsilanti, MI
Age 84, passed away February 24, 2009. She was born July 28, 1924 in Traverse City, MI, the daughter of Adolph and Blanche (Monroe) Kevwitch. Marguerite was a Traverse City farm girl, one of nine siblings. She was married
to Perry O. Hays until his untimely death in 1973. Marguerite was loved by her family, valued by her co-workers, brought joy to all who knew her and lived honorably and well. We will miss her deeply. Survivors include- two children, Michelle (John) Wisniewski and Perry Hays; three brothers, Alvin, Frederick and Floyd Kevwitch; one sister, Velma Salenski; and a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Donald, Clayton and Alfred Kevwitch. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements by Stark Funeral Service.
