Obituaries

Joan Allen

Joan Allen of Chelsea, Michigan, age 94, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born May 26, 1932, in Royalton, Kentucky, the daughter of Homer and Elma (Crace) Howard.

Joan graduated from Royalton High School in 1950. She loved the South and the mountains of Kentucky. She grew up on a 2000-acre farm at the base of a mountain, where the Licking River ran in front of it. She shared stories about being stranded on the farm for days when the river would flood and about her favorite hill she liked to climb to sit and watch the train go by. Joan was a trained nurse's aide and worked for the Methodist Home. She was devoted to taking care of her son, Homer, who was blind from an accident, until he passed, and then worked at Silver Maples for a few years. Joan was a member, for many years, of the First Assembly of God in Chelsea. She enjoyed working in her yard, gardening and growing purple Irises, and baking. Joan was spirited and feisty and could let you know where she stood, even while laughing. She was devoted to Kellie and loved her family.

Raymond Noel Maurer

Raymond Noel Maurer was born on November 26, 1940, to Irene Behrendt Maurer and her husband, Francis. He peacefully passed from this life, surrounded by family, at the age of 85, after complications from Cerebrovascular disease, dementia, and diabetes on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Ray was welcomed into heaven by his Lord and Savior, Jesus, his granddaughter, Hannah Lee, and many other family and friends.

He grew up in Allen Park, Michigan, joining his older siblings Jerry and Donna. His sisters Diane, Tina, and Patsy will join them later. He graduated from Melvindale High School in 1959 and enjoyed playing many sports, especially baseball. He joined the Army in 1960. While stationed in Alaska, he played baseball and installed and repaired telephone lines. He also enjoyed time in France while in the Army until 1962. When he returned home, he asked his dad if he could get him a job at the Ford Rouge Plant. His dad encouraged him to get a college education.

Royal “Roy” Lewis Richards Jr.

Royal “Roy” Lewis Richards Jr. of Ann Arbor, Michigan, formerly of Ypsilanti, Pinckney, and Gregory, age 82, passed away after a long illness Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Optalis of Ann Arbor. He was born April 19, 1944, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Royal Lewis “Louie” Richards Sr. and Lavon Irene (Suman) Riplow.

Roy graduated from Ann Arbor High School. He worked as a stockkeeper for IGA and A & P, then went to work for the Cloverleaf Restaurant in Ann Arbor as a line cook. He loved to play bingo and the lottery, and enjoyed fishing and NASCAR. Roy will be remembered for being helpful and independent.

Nelson A. Kothe

of Manchester, age 82, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Henry Ford Hospice Home in Jackson. He was born July 5, 1943, in Tecumseh, Michigan, the son of Norman Ray and Erva Mae (Whelan) Kothe.

Nelson worked at the Chelsea Proving Grounds for 38 years as a driver and mechanic. He enjoyed woodworking, and loved antiques, antique engines, tractors, and classic cars.