Obituaries

  • Ann M. Slusher

    PALMYRA – Ann M. Slusher, age 91 of Palmyra, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2020, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital, Toledo, Ohio.    

    She was born in South Lyon, on August 11, 1928, to Sidney J. and Corina L. (Bachand) Radeke. Ann graduated from Pioneer High School in 1946. On June 16, 1947, she married J. LeRoy Putney and he preceded her in death in 1968. On September 19, 1970, she married Robert “Bob” Slusher and he preceded her in death on June 26, 2015.

    Ann was a very active member of the community until this summer. She loved to travel and saw 49 of the 50 states with Bob. She looked at life as an adventure! She helped Bob sell produce at a roadside stand for many years.  She enjoyed attending plays at the Croswell Theater. She loved bowling and loved to go dancing. She loved her flower garden, jigsaw puzzles, reading, and baking loaf cakes to give away. Ann had a generous heart and was loved by many.

    Surviving Ann are her children, Carol Putney of Ann Arbor, MI Janet Putney of Taylor, Martin Putney of Ypsilanti, John Putney of Santé Fe, NM, and step-son, Robert (Sandra) Slusher of Fla.; a sister, Corrinne Rogers of Ellsworth, and four grandchildren, including Joelle Adams and Beth Putney, both of Ypsilanti. She is preceded in death by her parents, husbands’ LeRoy and Bob and a sister, Nancy Oberg.

    ,Visitation for Ann will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2020, from 4-6 p.m. at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and social restrictions that are currently in place, there will be limitations on how many individuals will be allowed in the facility at one time, and the wearing of masks is required. A public graveside service for Ann will be held on Friday, July 31, 2020, at 2 p.m. at Palmyra Cemetery.

    Online condolences may be given to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made the charity of the donor’s choice. Envelopes are available at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home.

  • Rebecca Buyaki Ingram

    SYLVANIA, Ohio – Rebecca Anne Buyaki Ingram, 73, of Sylvania, Ohio, passed away Monday, July 20, 2020, at Toledo Hospital due to complications from an emergency heart surgery. She was born on July 20, 1947, to Emery and Annie (Marsh) Buyaki in Toledo, Ohio. She graduated from Whiteford High School and then attended Michigan State University.
    Becky had the dream job of every woman, being a secret shopper for JC Penney, traveling to every state including Alaska and Hawaii. She met her husband, Benjamin Ingram, while working in New Orleans and they lived there before she moved back to Sylvania. She also worked several years for The Catholic Diocese of Toledo and many years at Elder-Beerman as a sales associate. Becky loved to travel, returning to New Orleans often and especially enjoyed her trip to Ireland with her sister and cousins to meet the Irish cousins and also visiting her daughter in London, England.
    Becky is survived by her daughter, Rachel (James) Troupe; sister, Brenda Buyaki Delgado; brothers, Emery (Jean) Buyaki, George (Michele) Buyaki, Andrew Buyaki and Brian (Stephanie) Buyaki; many wonderful cousins; eight exceptional nieces and nephews and so many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
    Visitation will be Friday, July 31, 2020, at Berkey Christian Church from 11 a.m. until the funeral service at noon. Online condolences may be left at www.reebfuneralhome. Tributes can be made in Becky’s name to the donor’s choice.

  • Marlene Skeels-Wolfe

    Marlene Nancy Skeels-Wolfe, age 85, of Blissfield, passed away on July 25, 2020, at Hospice of Lenawee.

    She was born on December 6, 1934, in Adrian to Elwyn and Minnie (Hamann) Merillat. Marlene married Robert Wolfe on October 15, 2015, in Palmyra and he survives. Marlene was a member of the Adrian Church of Christ. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, knitting, and reading. She volunteered in the sewing group at Bixby Hospital.

    In addition to her husband, Robert, Marlene is survived by her three children, Steve Skeels of Lapeer, Jere (Amelia) Skeels of Adrian, and Deborah (Robert) Kreighbaum of Jasper; two stepsons, Gary (Amy) Wolfe and Darin (April) Wolfe all of Blissfield; two half-brothers, Raymond (Debra) Merillat of Britton and Brian Merillat of Adrian; a half-sister, Rosanna Merillat of Adrian; five grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and two step-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one daughter, Janella Fern Skeels.

    Memorial services for Marlene will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2020, at 2 p.m. with visitation beginning at noon until the time of the service at Adrian Church of Christ, 719 W. Maumee St., Adrian with Pastor Bruce Blanton officiating.

    You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee. Envelopes are available at Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.

  • Dorothy Lou ‘Dottie’ Mitchell-Brown



    Dorothy Lou (“Dottie”) Mitchell-Brown, 85, of Blissfield was called to our Father’s celestial home early Friday morning, June 12, 2020, to nurture, sow, and lovingly tend to The Master’s Garden.
    Born February 17, 1935, in Blissfield, she was the daughter of Millard and May Jewel (Falk) Saxton.
    Dottie was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
    She was a graduate of Blissfield High School.
    Dottie was proudly employed at the GM plant in Adrian.
    Dottie was an active member of the Wellsville Methodist Church. She was also a former member of the Blissfield Presbyterian Church.
    On January 16, 1954, Dottie married Charles Mitchell. They shared over 34 years together, until he preceded her in death in 1988.
    She later married William Brown on August 7, 1993. He preceded her in death in February 2007.
    Dottie was kind and nurturing and left a lasting impression on every life that she touched. She was a former 4-H leader for many years, a member of Civitan, and a Campfire Leader. Dottie was known for her artistic ability. In her spare time, she loved gardening, tending to both flowers and vegetables.
    Dottie is survived by her five children, Dawn (Robb) Harmon of Sarasota, Fla., Robert O. Mitchell, II of Hillsdale, Dennis D. (Barbara) Mitchell of Blissfield, Joy (Rodney) Wonderly, Blissfield, and Penny Mitchell of Sarasota, Fla.; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; sister, Andrea (Roger) Sunday; four step-daughters, Debbie (Jim) Babiaz, Linda Bailey, Cindy (Gary) Dempsey, and Dianna Brown; eight step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.
    She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Charles; her second husband, William; and her sister, Virginia Jean Bachus.
    Per Dottie’s request, cremation will take place. A memorial service will be held for Dottie at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 12, 2020, at the Wellsville United Methodist Church with a celebration of life following in her garden at the family home. The family suggests contributions to honor Dottie be made to Lenawee Therapeutic Riding and Civitan of Lenawee. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel, Blissfield, where online memories and condolences may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

  • Sherry Augustyniak

    RIGA – Sherry Kay Oyler Augustyniak, age 52, of Riga, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2020, at Toledo Hospital.  She was born June 1, 1967 in Adrian to Willie Jerry and Karen Kay (Tabbert) Oyler.  She was married to Jeffrey Augustyniak.  Sherry was an equestrian and loved horses and Great Danes.  She took horticulture in school. She enjoyed flower gardening and cooking.

    In addition to her husband, Jeffrey, she is survived by her mother, Karen (Larry Kastel) Tabbert of Riga; her mother-in-law, Linda Augustyniak of Holland, Ohio; her father-in-law, Larry Augustyniak of Ottawa Lake, Michigan; a son, Thomas Augustyniak of Riga; two brothers, Tim (JoAnna) Oyler of Ottawa Lake and B. Jay Rodriguez of Lapeer, Michigan; a brother-in-law, Scott (Tisha) Augustyniak of Maumee, Ohio;  nieces and nephews, Scott, Josh, Coty, Autumn, Cam, and Eli; two fur babies, Brutus and Brody.  She was preceded in death by her father, Willie Jerry Oyler; and grandparents, Donald and Martha Tabbert.

    Cremation has taken place.  Due to Covid 19 Regulations, there will be no public visitation or services at this time. A memorial service will be held at a later date.  You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Lenawee Humane Society.  Envelopes are available at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.

  • Lila May Berry
    The family of Lila May Berry, regrets and is deeply saddened, that due to the coronavirus the memorial and celebration of life for Lila May, that was to be held May 16, 2020, is canceled.
  • Joan Sudborough

    ADRIAN – Joan Ellen Sudborough, 88, of Adrian, died early Tuesday morning, May 12, 2020, at her home. She was born March 30, 1932, in Adrian, the only child born of the late Arthur and Agnes (Keller) Knoblauch.
    After graduating from Blissfield High School in 1950, Joan went on to Davis Business College. On March 29, 1952, Joan married Donald F. Sudborough, in Blissfield, and they shared 49 years together before his passing in 2001. Over the years, Joan worked in the office at Ramus Automotive and Tom Prange Auto Village; and enjoyed selling Avon for more than 40 years and was a long-standing member of Avon’s Presidents Club. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, the Ladies Aid, and a volunteer at St. John’s Lutheran School. Joan was a Girl Scout Leader when her family was young and worked many years at Dick’s Market. She bowled on numerous leagues through Lenawee Rec and had made lasting memories with her friends. Later in life, Joan took on one of her most treasured roles of being a grandma and thoroughly enjoyed the time she spent watching and helping to mold her grandchildren.
    Joan is survived by her children, David (Kendra) Sudborough of Weston, Jeffrey Sudborough of Adrian and Michelle Micklewright; grandchildren, Jenny Sudborough, Rachel Hanning, Alexandria (Josh) Thomas, Neil (Markelle) Micklewright, Michael (Leah) Sudborough, Halie Sudborough, Amanda (Jake) Fluker and Steven (Nita) Messerschmidt; great-grandchildren, Mckenzie Wiltshire, Jordan Wiltshire, Rylen Hanning and Hadley Micklewright; and Neil Micklewright. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald.
    Visitation will take place on Thursday, May 14, 2020, from 11 to 1 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home. Private service to follow. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the number of individuals in the funeral home will be monitored. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church of Adrian.
    Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

  • Merle Karl

      MAUMEE, Ohio – Merle M. Karl, age 77, of Maumee passed away on Monday, May 11, 2020. He was born March 6, 1943, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Martin and Myrtle (Seegert) Karl Sr.

    Merle graduated from Blissfield High School in 1962 and worked for Champion Spark Plug in Toledo, Ohio. In his younger years he enjoyed dancing with friends and later in life helped to renovate several homes to help others he knew.
    Merle is survived by his older brother, Stanley Karl of Blissfield. Merle was preceded in death by his parents and four other siblings, Marlo (Karl) Seeburger, Wilbur Karl, Nelda Karl, and Martin Karl Jr.
    Arrangements are under the care of Urbanski Funeral Home, Toledo. No services are planned at this time. Merle will be interred next to his mother at Pleasant View Cemetery, Blissfield.

  • Nora Maher


    Nora Marie Maher, age 57, of Blissfield, passed away at Toledo Hospital on May 12, 2020, surrounded by family.

    She was born on January 30, 1963, in Tecumseh, to Jay and Vanda (Ruhl) Fisher. She graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science. On June 26, 1993, in Palmyra, Nora married Michael T. Maher and he survives. Nora worked for the United States Postal Service as a Postal Clerk starting her career working part-time at the Palmyra, Deerfield, and Riga Post Offices and then transitioning to full-time at the Blissfield Post Office, where she loved interacting with her customers. She was a member of the Blissfield Baptist Church and was a devoted homemaker, who was instrumental in home-schooling her children.  She enjoyed crafting, making jewelry and greeting cards, and enjoyed doing theater and plays.

    In addition to her husband, Mike, Nora is survived by her two children, Yvonne and Jay Maher; her father Jay Fisher; one brother, Ed (Jean) Fisher; one sister, Tammy (Ken) Green; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother and a brother, Daniel John Fisher.

    A viewing for Nora will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2020, from 2-6 p.m. at Blissfield Baptist Church. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, social gathering regulations will be strictly enforced. A memorial service will be held at a later date.     

    You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Blissfield Baptist Church.  Envelopes are available at the Blissfield Baptist Church.

  • James Hottenstein

    MONROE – James F. Hottenstein, age 80, of Monroe, passed away on April 11, 2020, at his home.

    He was born on May 18, 1939, in Toledo, Ohio, to Frank and Fredericka (Schlieman) Hottenstein. On December 28, 1967, in Clinton, he married Priscilla J. Herman and she survives.

    In addition to his wife, Priscilla, James is survived by his three children, Donald (Debbie) Hottenstein of Monroe, Robert (Shelly) Hottenstein of Deerfield, and Debbie (Tilman) Sandusky of Delta, OH; one brother, Phil (Barbara) Hottenstein of Blissfield; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ryonn; two sons, Tyson and James; his parents; a granddaughter, Natasha Hottenstein; and a grandson Joshoua Hottenstein.

    A viewing for James was held at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 from noon until 20 p.m.  Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and social distancing restrictions, only 10 people are allowed in our facility at a time.  Funeral services will be private. Burial will be in Deerfield Township Cemetery. Please see James obituary page on Wednesday afternoon to view a webcast of the service.

    You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial donations can be given to the Ronald McDonald’s House or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.  Envelopes are available at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.