Obituaries

Barbara Brown Zikmund

Barbara Brown Zikmund
1939 - 2026

Barbara Brown Zikmund was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on October 16, 1939. She was the daughter of Henry D. And Helen (Langworthy) Brown, formerly of Albion, Michigan. She attended Mumford High School and was active in Mayflower Congregational Church, both in Detroit.

She graduated from Beloit College in 1961, intending to pursue a career in Christian ministry. She earned a Bachelor of Divinity in 1964 and a Ph.D. in American Church History in 1969 from Duke University. She was ordained in the United Church of Christ upon completing her B.D. degree.

After leaving Duke she taught at Albright College, Temple University, Ursinus College, and Albion College.

Christine “Chris” Marie Gabel

Christine “Chris” Marie Gabel of Dearborn, Michigan, age 76, went to be with the Lord Monday, August 10, 2026, at her home. She was born June 29, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Leo Mark and Frances Angeline (Yura) Roddy.

Chris graduated from Lowrey High School in Dearborn, class of 1968. She worked for AM General as an Executive Secretary for many years. When Chris was younger, she enjoyed riding motorcycles and rode all the way to Florida. She was a caring and passionate person.

Joyce Lorine Vogel

Joyce Lorine Vogel, 97, of North Port, Florida, formerly of Punta Gorda, Florida, and Chelsea, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2026. She was born July 22, 1928, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the only child of Milton Bernard Hoffman and Lorine Mildred Haist Hoffman.

Joyce grew up on her family’s farm near Chelsea, began school in a one-room schoolhouse, and graduated from Chelsea High School at 16. There, Lewis “Phil” Vogel watched her play basketball and told a friend she was the girl he was going to marry. He was right. They wed July 3, 1948, and were married for 54 years. While Phil studied engineering at the University of Michigan, Joyce worked at an Ann Arbor bank and was proud to become its first woman teller. She later devoted herself to raising their daughters, Martha, Linda and Gretchen.

Charlotte Graves Simmons

Charlotte Graves Simmons of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Ann Arbor, Adrian, Clinton, Ferndale, Milford, Carleton, Linden, and Highland, age 98, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born November 2, 1927, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Raymond H. & Marion Frances (Graves) Wint.

Charlotte was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and was active in various roles including pastor's wife, choir director, choir member, accompanist, UMW officer, and Sunday School teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Adrian College and taught early elementary in public school for eighteen years. She also taught Suzuki piano. Charlotte was active in the Chelsea Retirement Community volunteering in the library, serving on the Residents Council, and participating in women's study groups. She and James were active in many social groups associated with the church, as well as Meals on Wheels and LEAC. Charlotte and James received the Adrian College Alumni Service Award and J.A. Baughman Church History Award. Charlotte enjoyed playing the piano, reading and knitting.