Jean Helen Aki

Jean Helen (Ward) Aki, age 62, of Hastings, Michigan, passed away on September 10, 2020.

Jean was born on July 4, 1958 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of James Richard and Lucena Mae (Bowerman) Ward.  She was a 1976 graduate of Alma High School, and a 1983 graduate of Saginaw Valley, Baylor University in 1985, and the School of International Business in 1986.  On July 5 ^th , 1986, Jean married Andre Aki, and they enjoyed 32 years together until his death on July 20 ^th , 2018.

Jean worked as an auditor for Hastings City Bank from 1998 until 2010.  She was the director of schools in Indonesia from 1987 to 1996.  She loved puzzles, doing math equations, especially calculus.  She used to travel and loved going to the movies.  Her favorite band was Queen, and always went thrift store shopping for gaudies.  Jean was a member of the United Methodist Church of Caledonia.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents James and Lucena Mae (Bowerman) Ward, husband Andre Aki, and brother-in-law Jerry Goodman.

She is survived by her son Jonathan Aki of Indianapolis, Indiana, son Benyamin Aki of Hastings, Michigan, sister Marjorie (Bob) Williams, brother James (Deanna) Ward, sister Patricia Goodman, sister Joyce (Gary) Babic, brother Paul (Ellen) Ward, sister June (Dave) Bowman, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Legacy at the Oaks, 706 North Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49017 or Caledonia Methodist Church Music Program, 250 Vine St SE, Caledonia, MI 49316, or Glenn Arbor Hospice, 5470 Glenn Cross Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49015.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 from  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058 with a graveside service to follow at 1:30 PM at Riverside Cemetery, 1003 W. State Rd; Hastings, MI 49058.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .