Joy Renee Sexton

born July 13, 1973 in Detroit was set free from the bonds of this earthly life on Sept 10, 2025. Left to remember her amazing but shortened life are her daughter Kynze Gilbert (19), her stepson Ken D. Gilbert (25), sister Chelsea Plymale, brother Ian Kummer, nephew Paul Heck, and her parents Lorin and Joseph Kummer. She leaves behind many other caring family members and dear friends. Her last few years found her also surrounded by devoted health care workers who were essential to her well-being during her illness and disability.

Alice Rhodes

September 1, 1929 – July 31, 2025
Chelsea, MI

Alice Rhodes, age 95, left this earth to make music with the angels in heaven on July 31, 2025, in the presence of her son and daughter while under hospice care at Silver Maples in Chelsea, Michigan. She was just one month short of her 96th birthday. Alice was born in 1929 in Elkhart, Indiana to the late William and Edna Rhodes. She was the second of four children.

Alice was known for her kindness, compassion and her beautiful, expressive piano playing. With perfect pitch, she played by ear. If you could hum the song, she could play it for you. Her musical gifts became evident at an early age when, as a preschooler, she came home from church and played the song she learned in Sunday school on the piano. Alice was soon taking violin and piano lessons. In the sixth grade she joined the high school orchestra playing violin. However, after two bouts of rheumatic fever, she was told that holding the violin put too much strain on her heart, so piano became her main instrument.

Donna Lee Stohl

of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Albion, age 90, died Monday, September 8, 2025, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. She was born February 9, 1935, in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Chauncey & Marvelle (Pielstick) Anderson.

Donna was beloved as a teacher in the Albion Michigan School District for 20 years. She was a member and Chair of the Albion Community Foundation, the Library Board, and the Johnson Childcare Board. She had a lifelong love and involvement with music and the visual arts, especially singing in the choir. Donna belonged to the Ann Arbor Unitarian-Universalist Congregation. She was passionate about family and friends, religious questions, reading, gardening, the arts, good conversation, laughter and traveling in the United States and abroad. She and her husband Johan lived a great life in the Silver Maples Retirement Community for the last 16 years.

Sherry Lynn Adair

of Gregory, MI, age 67, went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 29, 2025 at her home in Gregory. Her death was too early for us, but she was ready to be in God’s presence, and we rejoice through our tears that she is now healthy and whole in His arms. She was born March 17, 1958 in Farmington, Michigan, the daughter of Robert K. and Jane M. (Leverenz) Hillaker.

 

Sherry’s life was full of laughter, humor, and deep care for those around her. She had an innate charm, and an authentic care and curiosity for everyone she met that turned new acquaintances into friends in the blink of an eye. Sherry faced the challenges of life with her wit, her sense of humor, her forthright perseverance, and above all her deep faith and trust in God. She found tremendous joy in her family, her friends, and her community, including those at Accelerate Church in Ann Arbor, where she was on the prayer team. She recently retired as the bookkeeper at Dapco Industries. Sherry previously served her community as a precinct delegate for Dexter Township. She loved to read and garden and collected a beautiful array of indoor plants. She doted on her dogs. You could always count on Sherry for the best hug, a burst of laughter, and a treat tucked into her pocket for your dog. When Sherry told you that she was praying for you, she really meant it, and you might have gotten a text or a call to let you know that you were on her heart. Sherry leaves behind her a legacy of faith, love, and joy that is irreplaceable for all of us who love her. 

 

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