Try the Livonia Civic Center Library. They have the Detroit News from 1980. Use the "webform" link under the Livonia Observer Obituary Index and let them know you want a lookup in the News.
http://livonia.lib.mi.us/genealogyIf not in the News, try the following for the Detroit Free Press:
DEARBORN: Henry Ford Centennial Library (313) 943-2330, 16301 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, Mi 48126.
Has the Detroit News from 1955 and the Detroit Free Press from 1970. To request a look-up and copy of a death notice/obituary, send SASE to above address Attention: Adult Services. They will not respond without the self-addressed stamped envelope. You must know the date of death or burial. There is no charge for this service as of December 2008.