Court admits will and appoints sister to administer estate of Ronald Rupley Jr.

A presiding judge in the Lenawee County Probate & Juvenile Court admitted the will of Ronald Rupley Jr. and appointed his sister, Linda Wolfe, to administer the estate after counsel told the court a date on the will was incorrect due to a typographical error.

Thomas Springer, attorney for the estate, said a page in the will showed an incorrect signing date and described the discrepancy as a typographical error, noting that the correct signing date appears on a later page showing May 26, 2023. Springer told the court that all present had been together on May 26 and that the heir had been served and was aware of the discrepancy.

The court asked whether any objections existed; Springer replied there were none. The judge found that interested parties had been given notice, that proof of publication was in the record and that the petition to open the probate estate was supported. The court admitted the will for administration and signed letters of authority appointing Linda Wolfe to oversee the estate. The judge waived any requirement for a surety bond, noting the estate did not have sufficient assets to justify the expense.

Springer listed the estate's principal assets for the record as a residence at 534 East Anna Heights Drive, a vehicle, a safety deposit box and a bank account with little money. Linda Wolfe identified herself in court as the deceased's sister. The judge instructed counsel to prepare the letters of authority and directed parties to obtain copies before leaving.

The court did not set additional hearings on the record and closed the matter after issuing the orders.