BROAD (Betsy, formerly Leese). Died peacefully at home with her close family on Friday, 29th August 2025, Betsy, aged 93 years, of Mow Cop. A wonderful wife to Ron (RIP); a dearly loved mum of Alistair and Kate; a supportive mother-in-law to Roz; a second mother to Sue, and a fabulous nanny to Alexandra and Charlotte. Betsy graduated with a first-class honours degree in science from the University of Manchester, then qualified as a teacher. She inspired generations of students during her career in schools; at Madeley College and as head of science and maths at cauldon College of Further Education (now Stoke-on-Trent College). We are thankful for her long life and that she is now at peace. We will greatly miss her and will treasure many wonderful memories. The world is a much better place for her life and legacy. She was a good friend and made a difference to many. Please join us in remembering and celebrating Betsy’s life. The funeral service will take place at All Saints’ Church, Odd Rode, Scholar Green, (ST7 3QN) on Friday, 17th October at 11. 45am followed by a cremation for family only at Bradwell Crematorium. As Betsy loved colour, please wear something bright. Family requests no flowers. Donations in Betsy’s memory will go to the Alzheimer’s Society and Cancer Research UK. Donations and enquiries to Wilsons Funeral Directors, 48, Cinderhill Lane, Scholar Green, Stoke-on-Trent, 01782 785 937.
CELLARIO (Lillian Rose). Peacefully on 18th September 2025, at home, Lillian Rose, aged 94 years, of Congleton. The dearly loved and devoted wife of the late Leo, and a loving aunt and great-aunt to her large family. The cortege is to leave her home on Friday, 17th October at 1.20pm for a service at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church at 1. 30pm, prior to committal at Macclesfield Crematorium. Will relatives please accept this the only intimation and friends wishing to attend kindly meet at the church. Family flowers only; donations if desired to the Storehouse, New Life Church. All enquiries and donations to Alan Finneron Funeral Directors, 32, West Street, Congleton, 01260 277 622. (afinneron.co.uk).
CHIVERS (Martin Farnham Thomas). Peacefully on Wednesday, 17th September 2025, at Royal Stoke University Hospital, surrounded by his loving family, Martin, aged 77 years of Biddulph. The beloved and devoted husband of Karen; treasured dad of Nicola and Kim; a much-loved father-in-law to Chris; precious git-git of Brooke, Gabriel and Robyn, a dearest neighbour and a kind friend to many. Martin will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him. The funeral service will take place at St Lawrence’s Church, Biddulph, on Wednesday, 15th October at 1.30pm, prior to a private committal service. Will relatives please accept this, the only intimation, and would friends wishing to attend kindly meet for the service. No floral tributes by request; donations preferred and gratefully received to the British Heart Foundation c/o the funeral director. No mourning attire, bright colours only please. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Vanessa Dolman, Dolven Funeral Services, Independent Family Funeral Directors, 31-33, Congleton Road, Biddulph, 01782 379 191.
DALE (Phillip). Phil passed away quietly on Wednesday, 17th September 2025, aged 81, at Macclesfield District General Hospital, with his daughter Pip and her partner Shaun by his side. The cherished husband of the late Joan; loving dad to Pip and her partner Shaun; brother-in-law to Margaret, and uncle to Tracey and Joanne. Phil will be lovingly remembered for his sense of humour, warm personality, friendly smile, and love of model railways, and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. The funeral will be held at Birches Crematorium, Lach Dennis, at 11am on Friday, 17th October. Will friends please accept this notice as an invitation to join us in celebrating Phil’s life. Friends are welcome to join the family after the service at The Queen’s Head, Congleton for a drink to remember Phil. The family are truly grateful for all the kind messages of condolences and cards that have been sent in Phil’s memory. We request that instead of flowers, donations can be made to Hillside Animal Sanctuary. A donation box will be available at the service, but donations can be sent via the funeral directors. The funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Abi and Jason at Larvin and Clegg Funeral Care, 20, Antrobus Street, Congleton, 01260 297 963, (larvinandclegg.co.uk). Please direct all enquiries to them.
DAVIES (Keith John). Passed away after a short illness, at Royal Liverpool Hospital, on Friday, 5th September, Keith, aged 78 years, of Congleton. The loved and devoted husband of Helen; cherished dad of Colin, Julie and Claire; dear stepdad of Jonathan and Simon; respected father-in-law of Philip and Mike; treasured granddad of Matthew and Jack. Keith will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends but fondly remembered. The funeral service will take place at Holy Trinity Church, Mossley, on Thursday, 16th October at noon. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to the Cats Protection League. Enquiries to John Garside and Son, Mountbatten House, Stonehouse Green, Congleton, 01260 298 829.
Donations and enquiries to Wilsons Funeral Directors, 48, Cinderhill Lane, , Scholar Green, 01782 785 937.
EDWARDS (Peter). Passed away peacefully on 21st September 2025, Peter aged 86 years, of Sandbach. The dearly loved husband of Maureen; loving dad to Sue and John, and devoted granddad to Jess, Em, Alex and Josh. Family flowers only. Donations if desired to the Alzheimer’s Society. The funeral service is to be held at Birches Crematorium on Thursday, 9th October 2025 at 1pm. All enquiries to Williams and Lowe Funeral Directors, Field House, 40, Congleton Road, Sandbach, 01270 750 852.
MACHIN (Robert). Peacefully but suddenly, at home, on Sunday, 7th September 2025, Robert, aged 68 years, and late of Congleton. The father of Robert, Sally and Claire; stepfather of Shane and Paul; brother of Angela; granddad of Faith, Tommy, Annabelle and Sofia, and also a great-grandfather. Family flowers only. Donations if desired to the Riding for the Disabled Association. The funeral service will take place at St Peter’s Church, Congleton, on Wednesday, 8th October at noon. For further information, please contact Three Shires Independent Funeral Services, The Old Band Club, Worrall Street, Congleton, 01260 279 507 (threeshiresfuneral.co.uk).
NEWTON (Nellie, née Shaw). Peacefully passed away on 21st September 2025, at Tall Oaks Care Home, Biddulph, with her loving family by her side, Nellie, aged 90 years, of Brown lees. The dearly loved and devoted wife of the late Harold. Nellie will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by her loving family and many special friends. A funeral service is to be held to celebrate the life of Nellie at Christ Church, Biddulph Moor, on Monday, 6th October at 2.15pm. Family and friends wishing to attend should please meet at the church. Family flowers only, donations if desired to Douglas Macmillan Hospice in memory of Nellie. All enquiries to John Garside, 2, Cross Street, Biddulph, 01782 513 210.
PARK (Richard James). At rest on 24th September 2025, at Royal Stoke University Hospital, Richard James, aged 49 years of Congleton. The dearly loved dad of Barnaby, Rose and Amelia; loving son of Trevor and Sue; dear brother of Andrew and the late Matt, and a dear brother-in-law of Claire and Becky. The cortege is to leave his parents’ home on Tuesday, 21st October at 10.40am for a service at Trinity Methodist Church, Congleton, at 11am, prior to interment at Congleton Town Cemetery. Will relatives please accept this the only intimation and friends wishing to attend kindly meet at the church. Family flowers only; donations if desired to Royal Stoke University Hospital, critical care unit. All enquiries and donations to Alan Finneron Funeral Directors, 32, West Street, Congleton, 01260 277 622. (afinneron.co.uk).
PETIT-BROWN (Michael, “Mike”). Suddenly on Saturday, 6th September 2025, Mike, aged 61 years and late of Congleton. The devoted husband of the late Dawn; treasured dad of Emma, Michael, Kyla, Thomas and Kerry; loving granddad of Rhys, Phoebe, Leo, Lily Sophia, Ella, Eila, Kaiden, Alina and Arlo; much-loved son of Irene, and beloved brother of Tina. Mike will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. Family flowers only. Donations if desired to Congleton Dog Rescue. Mike’s funeral will take place at The Birches crematorium, Lach Dennis, on Tuesday, 7th October at noon. For further information, please contact Three Shires Independent Funeral Services, The Old Band Club, Worrall Street, Congleton, 01260 279 507, (threeshiresfuneral.co.uk).
SHUFFLEBOTHAM (June). At peace September 8th 2025, at Royal Stoke University Hospital, following an illness bravely fought, June, aged 87 years of Biddulph Moor. The beloved wife of Harry Shufflebotham; much-loved mum of Jill, David and Paul, and a mum-in-law, nanna, great-nanna, sister, sister-in-law, aunty, cousin and good friend to the late Geoff Scragg. A respected member of the community of Biddulph Moor and friend to many. The funeral service is on Tuesday, 7th October at 11. 30am at Hill Top Chapel Biddulph Moor, followed by interment at Christ Church, Biddulph Moor. Friends wishing to attend to kindly meet at Hill Top Chapel. Family flowers only please, donations if desired to be donated to Biddulph Moor Evergreens and Hill Top Chapel. Enquiries to S Sigley and Sons, funeral directors, Leek, 01538 382 048.
SMITH (Marion). At rest on 16th September, at her home in Biddulph, with her family by her side, Marion, aged 96 years. The devoted wife of the late Frank; cherished mum of Michael, Anthony and Eileen and the late Sandra, Peter and Jean and late son-in-law Michael; dear sister of the late Ken, Dennis and Arthur and dear sister-in-law to Maureen and auntie of Jayne and the late David. Marion will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by her family and friends. The service will be held at Biddulph Methodist Church on Wednesday, 8th October at 2pm, followed by cremation at Carmountside Crematorium. Family and friends wishing to attend kindly meet at the church. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to the Alzheimer’s Society. All enquiries to John Garside Funeral Directors, 2, Cross Street, Biddulph, 01782 513 210.
WATTS (Albert Edward). Passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on 24th September 2025, Edward, aged 85 years of Sandbach. The devoted Husband of Anne; wonderful dad to Graham and Richard, and dearly loved brother of Robert and Michael. Family flowers only. Donations if desired to Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis. The funeral service is to be held at St Mary’s Church, Sandbach, on Thursday, 9th October at 10am, followed by interment at Sandbach Cemetery. All enquiries to Williams and Lowe Funeral Directors, Field House, 40, Congleton Road, Sandbach 01270 750 852.
WEBB (Audrey). Peacefully at rest on Thursday, 18th September 2025, while at Lawton Manor Care Home, Church Lawton, in the presence of her loving family, Audrey, aged 92 years, of Scholar Green. She was a dearly loved sister and aunt. Audrey will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all her family and friends. Please join us in remembering and celebrating the life of Audrey. The funeral service is to take place at Mount Pleasant Methodist Church, Mow Cop, on Wednesday, 8th October at 12.15pm followed by cremation at Bradwell Crematorium. Would relatives and friends please accept this intimation and kindly meet at the church. No flowers by request; donations if desired to the Douglas Macmillan Hospice in memory of Audrey.
