Obituaries

Leon Douglas “Lon” Sheffer

of Cement City, Michigan, formerly of Livonia, age 81, passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Henry Ford Hospice in Jackson. He was born June 18, 1944, in Seattle, Washington, the son of Kenneth W. and Leona M. (Keiser) Sheffer.  

Lon worked as an electrician for Ford Motor Company at the Livonia Transmission Plant for over 40 years. He loved working on cars, especially his 1967 Fastback Mustang with the 427 engine. He also built engines for other people. He loved his trip to Hawaii with his wife and two daughters, but he wished he had traveled more. Lon was a foodie at heart.

Brian Lee Barber, Sr.

With great sadness, we share the passing of Brian Barber, Sr. of Stockbridge, formerly of Whitmore Lake. Brian passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the age of 70, surrounded by family. He was born July 5, 1955, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, son of Lewis and Eva Marie (Foster) Barber.

Brian was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He could not stand to see someone unhappy and made it his goal to make everyone around him laugh. In his younger years, he worked on the oil rigs. In his later years, he mastered roofing.

Richard Harold Ashley

of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Dexter, age 86, passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Chelsea Hospital. He was born April 22, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Herman T. and Jean L. (Masterson) Ashley.

Richard graduated from Redford Union High School and served as Staff Sergeant in the National Guard both in Detroit and Ypsilanti. He retired from the US Postal Service in 1992, after 32 years of service in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, and Ypsilanti. Richard was heavily involved in the Dexter Band Boosters while his kids were in high school. After retirement, he continued to volunteer at Chelsea Hospital, where he volunteered for about 44 years, and as a Lighthouse Keeper for a week every summer for several years. Richard loved model railroads and doing projects in his workshop.

Craig Millard Yost

With deep sadness and enduring love, we share the passing of Craig Millard Yost of Jackson, Michigan, formerly of Concord. Craig passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the age of 76, surrounded by family and close friends after a brief illness of six months.

He was born on December 27, 1948, in Fremont, Michigan, the son of Millard Walter and Ethel Mae (Stevens) Yost. Craig graduated from Concord High School in 1967.

Craig is survived by his loving daughters, Corrie (Brian) Castle of Jackson and Jamie (Rick) Brandon of Chelsea; stepdaughter, Shelly (Gary) Stolicker of Holt; his mother, Ethel Yost of Concord; brother, Gary (Debbie) Yost of Cassopolis; sister, Kathy (Fred) Schultz of Grass Lake; cherished grandchildren, Koby Castle, Kooper Castle, August Brandon, and Caelie Lane-Powers; five nieces and their spouses; and one great-niece and three great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Millard Yost.