Obituaries

Ruth A. Curtis

of Chelsea, Michigan, a former long-term resident of Sharon Township, age 67, passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Henry Ford Hospice in Jackson. She was born July 31, 1955, in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of Norman E. and Paula (Hefele) Curtis.

Ruth graduated from Manchester High School. She then earned her LPN from Eastern Michigan University and her RN from Ferris State University. Ruth worked diligently throughout her life as a float nurse and had a passion for working with children in psychiatric units. She also had a deep admiration for the outdoors and all animals.

Cheryl Bertha Schoenberg

of Chelsea, Michigan, age 94, passed away Monday, July 17, 2023, at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born May 22, 1929, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, the daughter of Walter and Marie (Stine) Sohn.

Cheryl graduated from Imlay City High School in 1946. She married Don Schoenberg on April 19, 1947. Together, they traveled from farm to farm in the “thumb” region of Michigan. They towed their trailer home with them from farm to farm. While doing this they made many lasting friendships. In 1952, they moved to Grass Lake, Michigan, where Don took a job as a herdsman for Gotfredson Farms. In 1965, they moved to Chelsea, where Cheryl took a job as a Dental Assistant/Receptionist for Dr. Clare Warren. She worked there until she retired in 1985. She was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir and taught children's Sunday school. She loved playing Euchre with friends, gardening, and she and Don had many adventures traveling across the U.S. and Europe, with their children and, later, with friends.

Frank "Andy" Compau Jr.

Frank “Andy” Compau Jr. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on July 18, 2023. He was born May 18, 1954 in Wyandotte, Michigan, the first child of Joan and Frank Compau.

Frank was raised in Trenton, Michigan, spending most of his childhood outdoors. In his early years his passion for the outdoors began. He spent countless hours on the water, boating, fishing and waterskiing. As he grew it expanded and he became an avid hunter, fisherman and tracker. His need to be in the outdoors lead him into a career as a landscaper which ended when he retired from Ford Land Management as Head Landscaper for Ford World Headquarters and all surrounding properties they owned.

Benjamin H. Bower

Benjamin H. Bower peacefully fell asleep in death on July 6,2023, at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor. He was 71 years old.

Ben was a devoted husband and loving father, a gentle giant that managed to make friends wherever he went. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses he enjoyed sharing his love for Jehovah and the Bible with others. He was also an avid reader and football fan.  

Ben was preceded in death by his parents. Benjamin Robert and Mary Lou (Merriman) Bower and his wife of 51 years, Susan (Freeland) Bower. He is survived by his children, Abby and Ben; brothers, Donald and Joel; and sister, Elizabeth (Bower) Nalepa, as well as many dear friends too numerous to mention.