Obituaries

Donald Lee Van Gilder

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.

Wendy Jean Wallace

of Chelsea, MI, age 75, died peacefully on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at the University of Michigan Hospital, surrounded by her family. She was born February 13, 1945 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Richard & Jean (Dodge) Drew.   

Wendy and Rick moved to Chelsea in 1988. She was formerly a member of New Haven Friends Meeting, Immanuel Bible Church in Chelsea, and Knox Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor. Wendy held a B.A. from the University of Michigan, and master’s degrees from both Temple University in Philadelphia and the University of Connecticut.  She was a social worker and teacher at several public and private high schools, as well as Hillsdale College, Berry College, and Spring Arbor University. In 2010, she published a book about her experiences with chronic illness, “Doing Well At Being Sick.” Her professional and academic accomplishments were overshadowed by her compelling care for others, and she touched many lives in profound ways.  

Nola May Knapp

of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Clio, MI, age 75, passed away Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at home under hospice care. She was born May 2, 1945, in Mount Morris, MI, the daughter of Albert Earl & Beatrice Marie (Lovett) Hammel.  Nola graduated from Mt. Morris High School in 1963. She worked for GM, and then choose to stay home to raise her children. Nola attended West Forest United Methodist Church in Otisville. She volunteered and enjoyed being active at Otisville Senior Citizen Center, and most recently at Chelsea Senior Center.

Marjorie (Ferguson) Daniels

Of Chelsea, Michigan, age 91, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at her home, surrounded by love. She was born December 3, 1929, in Ann Arbor, the daughter of Lee & Sylvia (Williams) Ferguson. Marjorie owned Uptown Antiques in Chelsea for many years. She and Bob were the majority owners of Chelsea Lumber. Marjorie was proud to be a farm girl who attended a one-room school house through the 8th grade. She then attended Chelsea High School, graduating in 1947. She could drive a tractor at the age of 13. Marjorie paid for her senior year of college at EMU by raising ducks. She graduated from EMU with a degree in Art History. Marjorie was a descendant of John Williams who was the founder of Webster Township and Webster Church.