Elizabeth Rose Weise
of Ann Arbor, MI, left this world on Friday, January 10, 2025. Elizabeth Rose Gougeon was born to William George “Bill” Gougeon and Clara Elizabeth (Varga) Gougeon in Wyandotte, Michigan, on July 15, 1939. Her father was of French-Canadian descent, her mother a native of Zádorfalva, Hungary.
She is survived by her loving husband, Donald Weise; their children, John Weise (Stephanie Bentley), Heidi Weise (Kortney Briske), and Bridget Weise Knyal (Stephen Kinnard); survived also by her beloved grandchildren, Samuel Weise, Chloe Weise, Talia Briske, Alexandra Margraves (Nick Margraves), Wade Knyal, and Violet Knyal. She is also survived by many additional beloved members of the Weise, Gougeon, and Knurek families. She was preceded in death by her parents and her loving sister Mary Lou (Gougeon) Knurek.
Elizabeth (Liz) graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Wyandotte Michigan, where she was a cheerleader and always ready for a good laugh. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Art and Education at Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan. Elizabeth taught high school art and kindergarten for many years, primarily in Hillsdale County, Michigan. She particularly enjoyed the funny sayings of her kindergarten students, one of whom called her “Mrs. Boogity” for fun. She was also a Hillsdale County vision technician and worked for the University of Michigan later in life.
John Richard Outhwaite
of Grass Lake, Michigan, age 88, died Sunday, January 19, 2025, at home under hospice care. He was born February 21, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of John Richard and Loretta M. (Stephenson) Outhwaite.
John grew up in Detroit. He was a mechanic for a while and then worked as a self-employed carpet layer from 1970 - 2010, including subcontracting with Merkel’s. John was known around town as “Johnny O, the carpet guy.” John made a lot of friends at Stiver’s and enjoyed kayaking, camping in the U.P., and fly fishing.
Carolyn Ann Shepherd
of Dexter, Michigan, formerly of Ypsilanti
Age 82, died Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. She was born February 12, 1942, in Briceville, Tennessee, the daughter of Clay Abner and Mary Helen (White) Braden. Carolyn graduated from Willow Run High School in 1960. She then went to cosmetology school and owned her own hair salon for many years before working for IBA Beauty School where she became an instructor and manager. Carolyn's whole life revolved around her daughter and grandchildren. In earlier years she enjoyed sewing and also loved making porcelain dolls with her sister, Betty.
Stewart Elliott
Stewart Spencer Elliott born in Ottawa, Canada to Edward Procter and Eleanor Roosevelt Elliott, passed away on January 15, 2025, at his home of 39 years in Chelsea, Michigan. He was 82 years old.
Stewart studied architecture, art and sociology in college that lead to a lifelong career in building, design, teaching and writing. His professional journey began with the renovation of historic New England timber frame homes, eventually expanding to the construction of new, energy efficient structures. His work, driven by a love for sustainable design became his passion.
Albert Frederick Ruhlig
of Dexter, age 104, died Monday, January 13, 2025, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. He was born September 4, 1920, on the family farm in Dexter, Michigan, the son of Emil A. and Hazel L. (Campbell) Ruhlig.
Albert served in the US Navy Reserve in the South Pacific during World War II, serving in Japan, China, and the Caroline Islands from December 5,1944 to June 7, 1946. He was in Tokyo Bay the day before the signing of the peace treaty, when his ship the U.S.S. Tappehanock fueled the battleship Missouri, where the formal surrender was signed by Emperor Hirohito and General Douglas MacArthur. Albert returned to the family farm and later purchased the adjacent farm in 1946, where he would spend the remainder of his life. He was baptized in 1920, at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Detroit. He was confirmed in 1935, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, where he was active in many leadership roles, such as Church Elder and Sunday School Teacher, until 1973, when he transferred his membership to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Chelsea. He remained active in church leadership until he retired in 1986, but continued to be active in the church until his death.