Jacqueline Lee Muma

Jacqueline Lee Phelan was born Aug. 30, 1942, in Rochester, MI., the daughter of Dorothy Boak and LeRoy Phelan. She had one brother, James, a career Marine officer, who predeceased her. He married Charlene Barber. Their children are James, Patricia and Patrick. She had two half siblings: Judith Phelan Spillers and Robert Phelan.

She graduated from Clarkston High School in 1960. She was the speech champion for the State of Michigan in her Jr. year. Later, as the class records keeper, she organized reunions and established Internet connections with classmates.

She was married to Attorney/Administrative Law Judge William P. Battiste, Jr. who predeceased her. Their children are William, III, Stephen, Jacques and Sean. William and Dr. Jennifer Harmon Battiste have two sons, Michael and Christopher.

As the mother of four sons, she was a Cub Scout den mother for 13 years and was awarded the Silver Beaver, Scouting's highest award for volunteer service.

She attended Michigan State University and Wayne State University. As a career school librarian, she was dedicated to lifelong learning. She used to say it was a perfect job because she loved kids and liked books. Her library was not only a place for learning and sharing, it was a safe haven for kids.

She was a founding member of the Boyne City Parent-Teacher Organization and a charter member of the Historical Society which established a museum in City Hall.

After retirement, she enjoyed a second career as medical librarian at Pennock Hospital.

She won many writing and photography contests. The first photo contest she entered won an international competition and her image, ruffled carnation, is part of the Kodak permanent collection at Disney World in Orlando, FL.

In 1992, she married Archie D. Muma, a communications engineer executive, and they had many happy years traveling in Michigan, Arizona and Florida.

Jackie will be remembered for her thoughtfulness, vivaciousness, lively sense of humor, story telling from her Irish background and her beautiful smile.

She was a dedicated sports fan rooting for Michigan teams. She was seldom seen without a sports hat or team shirt.

Those who wish to remember her are asked to make a donation to the Hastings Public Library, in lieu of flowers.

Jacqueline descended in peace at her home in Hastings, on October 8, 2026, at age 84. Cremation has taken place with interment at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan.

The family is being served by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings and friends are invited to post a memory on her tribute wall.