Patrick D. Gillies
age 65, of Milford, died April 28, 2007. Loving husband of the late Ruth-Ann. Dearest father of Dennis (Terri), Jerry (Tracy), and Bill (Andrea). Proud Grandfather of Brian Patrick, Lauren Faith, Kathleen Ruth-Ann. Brother of Nancy Ellis, Donald and James. Also predeceased by two special brothers, Jack Grebe and Larry Ellis.
The family extends a special thank you to Heartland Hospice and Terry Evans, RN for her compassionate and loving care as we prepared for the final journey to eternal salvation. We love you dad.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 2201 Old US 23, Brighton Thursday, May 3, 11 AM. Father David F. Howell to officiate. Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty St., Milford, Tuesday 5—9 PM and Wednesday 2—9 PM. For further information call 248.684.6645.
Virginia B. Stolz
a lifetime resident of Milford, died on Thursday, April 19, 2007 at Huron Valley Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township. She was 91 years old. Born in the same home as her mother in Milford on September 5, 1915, Virginia was raised in Milford, the only child of Elmer & Venie (nee. Osborn) Wolf. In her early teens she met a big city kid, new to the village, named Howard Stolz and began a friendship before going steady at the age of sixteen. In 1933 she graduated from the old Milford High School located on Hickory Street and after her marriage to Howard on March 7, 1936, the newly-weds purchased the home on East Huron Street, just next door to the home where Virginia was born. Mr. & Mrs. Stolz were soon blessed with the births of their children, Howard Jr., Karen, Jay and Douglas and remained in Milford to raise their family while enjoying countless friendships with other residents and neighbors through the years. In January of 1994, Howard died at West Hickory Haven Nursing Home in Milford. A widow in her late seventies, Virginia faced her own health battles with gratitude for the loving support and presence of her family and good friends. Virginia was an optimist who enjoyed bright colors and birds. She was overjoyed to be a grandmother and always held her family at the center of her heart.
In addition to her beloved husband, Howard Sr., Virginia was preceded in death her granddaughter, Tracy. She is survived by her children, Howard A. (Barbara) Stolz, Jr., Karen Ann (Gary) McKay, Jay Thomas (Katherine) Stolz, Douglas G. (Tonya) Stolz; grandchildren, Mark (Teresa) Stolz, Michelle (Rick) Mirecki, Scott (Heather Phillips) Powers, Stefanie (Ronnie) Carr, Matthew (Anne) Stolz; great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Sarah, Kaitlyn, Ronnie and Sutton; as well as many extended family members, dear friends and neighbors who join with her family in mourning her passing while giving thanks to God for her life among them.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Odyssey Hospice or Karmanos Cancer Institute for breast cancer research. For more information phone Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors at 248-684-6645.
Donna Joanne McDonald
a resident of Fort Myers, FL and former resident of Milford, MI died on January 3, 2007. She was 68 years old. Born on July 1, 1938 in Calumet, MI, the daughter of John & Mary Maynarich, Donna was raised in Detroit and graduated from Redford High School in 1957. In 1959, she met her future husband Jack McDonald while working in a loan office that was robbed, leaving her and her boss handcuffed to the bathroom sink. They began knocking on the bathroom walls, adjacent to the offices next door and Jack heard them, came to their rescue and called the police. Donna & Jack began dating ever since that day, falling very much in love and were later married on June 18, 1960. On November 9, 1961 they were blessed with the birth of their daughter Renee and would move northwest to the Village of Milford in the summer of 1966. In the following years Donna would enjoy the opportunity to see her daughter marry and begin her own family. On September 7, 1985, her cherished grandson Michael was born. Early on that same year, Jack was diagnosed with cancer and would lose his brave battle on May 11, 1986. Nearly three years after the death her husband, Donna moved to Fort Myers, FL and began working at South Seas Plantation as a sales secretary until her retirement in 2003.
Donna loved to dance. During one memorably hot summer she taught Renee and Renee’s cousins Kim and Denise to dance with the windows wide open and the music blaring. She was not at all timid in her enjoyment of Rock & Roll music and preferred to listen to it loudly. Standing out from her record collection was Neil Diamond, her absolute favorite artist that Donna often referred to as “her man.” She enjoyed bowling, swimming, biking and ice skating and in her leisure could most likely be found working on a crossword puzzle. Above all, Donna found her greatest joys and success at being a mother. Her desire for good times, laughter and goofing around made her a fun person to be around. As young parents, both Donna & Jack were very involved in their daughter’s life, as well as Renee’s friends lives; always wanting to know everything, enforcing curfews, protecting as parents do and doing so solely because of love. In the wake of Donna’s death, while packing up her mother’s belongings, Renee found both her mother’s and father’s wallet, each still holding a graduation photograph of Renee and another of Renee’s best friend Stacey––a friend the McDonald’s thought of, loved and regarded as their second daughter.
In addition to her daughter, Renee (Fred) Cicchitti, Donna is survived by her grandson, Michael; sister, Virginia Heebner and many extended family members, dear friends and neighbors.
A Memorial Service will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 East Liberty, Milford Saturday, May 5, 2007 at Twelve O’clock. Fr. Leo Lulko will officiate. Burial of ashes will follow at Milford Memorial Cemetery. Friends may visit at the Funeral Home one hour prior to service. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Asociation. For more information phone 248-684-6645.
Earle K. "Kip" Sommerfield
a resident of Milford, died on April 17th, 2007 after an eight month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 63 years old. Born on October 1st, 1943 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Earle M. and Phyllis Larue (Kemp) Sommerfield, Kip grew up in Pennsylvania where he was a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy. For the past thirty-seven years he has been well known for his work with General Motors SPO in Grand Blanc, where he has served as the Incentive Travel Manager for many years. It was through his work that he met Charlene Bradford, for whom he was a client. They fell in love and later married, on the spur of the moment, while they were together on a business trip in Las Vegas on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 1996. Kip was ever the perfect husband and he enjoyed most being with family and spending time at home, “putzing” about with his John Deere tractor, or fixing something that need to be fixed—he could fix anything. He will always be remembered as a gentle, kind, wonderful man who loved being with people—especially on the golf course or at the poker table. In addition to Charlene, his beloved wife of eleven years, he is survived by children, Christopher (Beth) Sommerfield of Delaware, Jeff (Jessa) Sommerfield of PA, Jennifer (Kevin) Gehrholz of Waterford, Michelle (Matt) Tillotson of Royal Oak, and Steven Sharp of Royal Oak; grandchildren, Kyle, Davis, Richard, Keegan, Molly, Connor, William, Jack; his mother, Larue Sommerfield of PA; twin sister, Catherine “Kittie” Horner; sister, Doris (Ken) Lippman; sister-in-law, Diane (Joe) Schultheis and many nieces, nephews, & dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Earle. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1955 E. Commerce Rd., Milford, on Saturday, April 28th, at 1:30PM, with The Rev. Walter Dawson officiating. Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, on Thursday, April 26th, 5-9PM & Friday, April 27th, 5-9PM. Memorials may be made in his name to PanCAN for pancreatic cancer research-(PanCan 2141 Rosecrane Ave., suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245. For further information please phone 248-684-6645.
Robert Douglas Wilson
was called home to the Lord at the age of 44. Robb passed away in the loving arms of his mother and father, Wesley and Ruth Wilson. Born on January 10, 1963 in Pontiac, Michigan, Robb grew up in the Milford area. He graduated from Lakeland High School in 1981, and Grand Valley State University in 1987 with a Bachelors Degree in Advertising and Communication Arts.
Robb lived life with a passion, enjoying every adventure and challenge that came his way. During his illness, he said that he lived more in his 44 years on earth than many people do in 80. He loved life and all its possibilities. Robb traveled the world. From Paris to Budapest, Prague to Rome he went. When he returned, he would share wonderful and often hilarious stories of his trips that were always accompanied with pictures that proved them all to be true. Robb loved music and theater. He was involved in many productions throughout high school and later with the Huron Valley Community Theater. A favorite role was as the Prince in Cinderella. Wherever Robb went, drama followed!
Robb was a man of strong faith and a great love for his family and friends. He treasured his nieces, Jennifer and Michelle, and nephew, Mathew. During their youth, he was their special buddy. Many hours were spent playing games, riding go-carts, baking cookies and sharing secrets. With them, he enjoyed another childhood.
Robb has a large extended family, but to him, each one was special. Many summer afternoons were spent at his grandparents farm where he and his cousins often played. He spent many vacations with relatives in Empire, Michigan. Whether on the sand dunes or swimming in Lake Michigan, there was always a cousin or two in tow. During life’s difficult times, he found solace in the quiet of the northern woods.
Robb moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in advertising, and later, to Houston, Texas where he worked at Sage Group Advertising. Everyone recognized his creative spirit and keen sense of humor. Although he loved his work, personal relationships were of the utmost importance. Times spent with others, whether colleagues, friends or family were filled with laughter, sensitivity and love. Along his life journey, his kindness touched the heart of each person he encountered.
Robb asked that we thank all of you who shared his life journey; to celebrate the joy of his life, lift a glass of wine and remember the good times.
Robb is survived by his parents, Wesley and Ruth Wilson of Milford, brothers Jim (Patty) Wilson of Milford; Gerald Wilson of Milford; Donald Wilson of South Lyon; nieces Jennifer (Daniel) Williams of Fenton; Michelle Wilson of Ypsilanti; sister-in-law Laura Horton; nephew Mathew Wilson of Traverse City; newborn nephew Owen Williams; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. Also left behind are his beloved cats, Lulu and Pharoah.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1955 E. Commerce Rd., Milford, Wednesday, May 2, 10 AM. Burial St. Mary’s Cemetery. Father Ron Anderson to officiate. Friends may visit Lynch & Sons, 404 E. Liberty St., Milford Tuesday 1—9 PM. Rosary Tuesday 7 PM. For further information please call 248.684.6645.
Wilburn E. Parson
age 66, of Milford, died April 29, 2007.
Survived by his beloved wife, Patricia; children, Mike (Diana) Parson, David Parson, Donna (Jerry) Kreuzel; grandchildren, Paul Kreuzel, Melisa Kreuzel, Krystal Parson, Shannon Parson, Shelley Parson; brothers, Wyman (Laurie) Parson, Tom (Violet) Parson, Larry (Janice) Parson. Also many extended family members and a host of loving friends.
Services will be held privately by the family. Memorial contributions made to the Parson family are appreciated. For more information phone Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors, Milford at 248-684-6645.
J. King Foster
a long time resident of Milford, died in the early hours of Wednesday morning, October 25, of complications related to Diabetes. He was 66 years old. Born November 22nd in Sedan, Kansas, he was the son of James Loyd and Alice (Crawford) Foster. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1961 where he met Terry Thies. The couple was married on Labor Day weekend of 1962 and moved to Michigan where King had been recruited by the General Motors Proving Grounds and Terry with Huron Valley Schools. In his twenty-five year career at the Proving Grounds, King Foster worked in the Noise and Vibration lab, Safety Research and Development; he ran the Dynamometer Lab and served as assistant to the Director until his retirement in 1987. King Foster loved boating, fishing and hunting, golf, bridge, investing in the stock market and traveling between their winter home in Arizona and summer home in Pentwater on Lake Michigan. King was an avid reader all his life. As his eyesight failed, he was blessed to be read to by his grandchildren with whom he loved to watch old reruns of “I Love Lucy.” His near twenty years of retirement was spent among old friends and new ones, watching his son and daughter grow into parents themselves.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Terry, by their son, Major J. Wade (Stacey) Foster, USMC, Iraq, and daughter, Gwen (Dan) Umbach of Brighton; and grandchildren, Colette, Gabrielle, Eliana, Nicholas, Olivia, and Anza. Also surviving are a brother, Mitchel Loyd (Alma) Foster, and sister Ruby Gardner, several nieces, nephews and a host of dear friends who join with Kings family in mourning his death and giving thanks to God for his life among them.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 4th Two O'clock at Milford Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Dr. R. John Harris will officiate. Cremation will follow. Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, on Friday, November 3rd from 2-9 PM.. Memorials may be made to the Milford Presbyterian Church, 238 North Main Street, Milford, Michigan 48381; The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 120 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005-4001; or Marine Corps Toys for Tots, Marine Corps Base, P.O. Box 227, Quantico, Virginia 22134-0227. For more information phone 248-684-6645.
James E. Buckley
age 89 of Milford, formerly of Redford & South Lyon, October 31, 2006. Beloved husband of Virginia. Loving father of David Johnson of FL and Steve (Val) Buckley of Macomb Twp.; grandfather of Virginia Ann (Steve) Gobel, Cheryl (Charlie) Allie, David (Tonya) Johnson, Lindsay (Chad) Ludtke, Lauren Buckley & six great grandchildren.
A Funeral Service will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Thursday, November 2nd, 7 PM. Friends may visit 4PM until the time of service. Additional visitation Friday 11-11:30AM at the funeral home, followed by Graveside Service with Military Honors at South Lyon Cemetery at 12:30PM For further information please phone 248-684-6645.
Garner Milton Pyle
a resident of Hartland, and former resident of Highland Park, Detroit, & Warren died on Tuesday, October 31st, 2006. He was 79 years old. Born on March 9th, 1927 in Christian County, Kentucky he was the son of Hayden Eugene Pyle and Elsie Marie Milton Pyle. The family moved to Detroit when he was five years old, but Garner continued to spend summers with his grandparents in Kentucky. Following high school and as soon as he was able, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve his country during WWII. When he returned from war he began his career as a salesman, and helped to open the Sears store at the new Oakland Mall in Clawson. He worked there for many years as a salesman in the furniture department, before retiring in 1987. In 1950 he met Chita Pearl Paraian while helping to repair a machine at a bank where she had been working. They fell in love, were married, and made their first home in Highland Park. They were blessed with the births of three children.
Garner didn’t slow down after retiring from Sears. He was always on the go, and enjoyed working several jobs, including catering and private detective work. Garner was an avid sports fan and had a special affection for the teams in Detroit. He enjoyed playing cards, loved to sing and would even record his own music in the basement. Many happy family memories were made in the Oscoda and Tawas area; Garner spent many vacations and summers on the Rifle River, canoeing and camping with his grandchildren. He led a life filled with joy, family and good friendships.
In addition to Chita, his beloved wife of 56 years, Garner is survived by his sons, Lance (Anita) and Bruce (Lesa); daughter, Denise (Thomas) Barrel; brother, G. Ernie (Peggy); grandchildren, Keith, Jennifer, Anthony, Joanna, Andrea (Ryan) and Andrew; great-grandchild, James and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hayden & Elsie.
Funeral from Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Saturday Nov. 4, 10 AM. Burial White Chapel Cemetery. Friends may visit Friday 4-9 PM. Memorials encouraged to Arbor Hospice. For further information call 248-684-6645.
Patricia Kirby (nee. Foley)
a resident of Wixom Township died Friday, November 3, 2006. Beloved wife of the late James Kirby.
Funeral Arrangements pending. For additional information phone 248-684-6645.
