Betty Jean Ziegler

Jean Ziegler passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 96.

She was born March 22, 1918 the daughter of E. Clyde and Cressie B. (Shawman) Stedge in Hastings, Michigan. Jean was the fifth of six children. She attended Ryan Country School and went on to graduate from Hastings High School in 1935 in the midst of the Great Depression. Upon completion of her studies at Ferris Institute, she was employed at the Hastings Manufacturing Company for four years, during which time she met and married Theodore Ziegler, a widower with one son, Jerry. Their loving marriage was to last 58 years until Ted's death in 1996. Ted and Jean were married in 1938 in St. Rose of Lima Church in Hastings and spent their married life devoted to their church, each other and their family. They were the founders of the chicken BBQ's at St. Rose which are still a yearly event. Jean was a charter member of the Catholic Daughters of America, President of the St. Rose Alter Society and was the St. Rose of Lima Ladies Church Guild Chairman for many years. She also served ten years as the Secretary for the Barry County Democratic Committee. In 1955 Jean began her 20 year career with Hastings Mutual Insurance Company as Supervisor of the Claims Department and retired in 1975. Jean was a talented seamstress and kept her family in shirts, dresses snow suits and wedding attire as the need arose. She shared these skills by teaching Stretch and Sew classes. She was a master at knitting and crocheting, and crafting which she continued to enjoy well into her 93rd year. Every member of her family has a collection of quilts, afghans, sweaters, Christmas stockings, baby-booties etc. all lovingly created by Jean.

Jean's sense of humor was well known to her friends and family. She could always share a bit of humor found in the multitude of trying situations that occurred while raising a large family on a small farm in Michigan. She carried this sense of humor with her right up to the end. Jean was quick with jokes and gifted in telling them. Jean was an avid card player and remained active in various card-playing groups. She "enjoyed life to the fullest" during her time as a member of the Red Hat Society. Her group called themselves the Red Hat Floozies. Jean never missed a chance to be outrageous, especially in her later years.

Jean lived in Irving Township nearly all of her life. She and Ted purchased their family home on Willitts Road north of Hastings, in 1946 shortly after the end of WWII, at a time when housing was critically short. They modernized and continued to improve the property over the years providing a comfortable home for their growing family. Jean lived in and maintained the family home for 61 years. She marveled that she had that home and was still able to spend 31 years in Florida where she and Ted formed new and lasting friendships with fellow snowbirds from all parts of the country and Canada. She felt truly blessed that she was able to enjoy that luxury with Ted and again for many years after his passing.

Jean was the proud mother of six children, Marylin (Don) Elterman, James (Sandy) Ziegler, Richard (Kathy) Ziegler, Jane Verplank, Barbara (Thomas) Lake, Greg (Elaine) Ziegler.
When Jean was no longer able to live in and maintain the family home alone, she was invited to live with her youngest daughter Barb. This arrangement continued until Barb was married to Tom Lake in 2009. At that time they provided a home for Jean in the Delton area, where together, with the assistance from other family members they cared for her until October of 2013, when she became a resident at Thornapple Manor.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband Ted, her parents, siblings and one infant grandson. She is survived by her six children, nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren and a community of extended and blended family members whose lives were touched by her.

Visitation for Jean is scheduled for Sunday, June 8 at 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings and 11:00 to 12:00 noon on Monday, June 9 at the Hastings Free Methodist Church on M-43 north of Hastings. Services will be immediately following with Pastor Don Brail presiding.