Jean Chase

Norma “Jean” Chase, age 89, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on August 7, 1936, in Hastings, Michigan, the daughter of Lyle and Neva (Naylor) Neil. A 1955 graduate of Woodland High School, Jean lived a life defined by faith, family, and service.

On September 1, 1956, she married the love of her life, Gordon Lee Chase, with whom she shared 57 years of marriage until his passing on March 3, 2014. Jean embraced many roles throughout her life—homemaker, dental assistant, and devoted dairy farmer’s wife, fully involved in every task, along with caring for the calves. She later spent 20 years as a dedicated realtor with Miller Real Estate.

Jean served her community faithfully, including two terms on the Lakewood School Board. A wonderful Christian woman, she loved Jesus deeply and created a warm, loving home for her family. She took great pride in being part of her children’s and grandchildren’s lives—supporting school and 4-H projects, cheering at sporting events, and teaching Sunday School for many years.

A charter member of Woodgrove Brethren Christian Parish, Jean served on numerous committees and boards. She and Gordon also enjoyed traveling together across the United States and Canada. With a heart for service, they supported Habitat for Humanity for many years. In the early 1980s, they worked directly with Founder Millard Fuller in Americus, Georgia, and also served locally through Manna’s Market in Lake Odessa.

Jean is preceded in death by her husband Gordon; her parents, Lyle and Neva Neil; her sister Patricia (Neil) Myers; her in-laws, Lawrence and Hildred Chase; brother-in-law David Chase; and sister-in-law Sandra Chase.

She is survived by her children Kimber Lee Chase, Kurt (Dena) Chase, Kyle (Robin) Chase, Blake (Lily) Myers, and her Brazilian son Jose’ Fernando Bonini; grandchildren Jesse (Tessa) Chase, Ashley (Jason) Griffin, Abby (Kyle) Thelen, Eric (Brianna) Chase, Kristin (Leon) Patrick, Laura (Alex) Halliburton, Lacey (Matthew) Bellin, Amber (Robert) Simons, Rachel (Cody) VanKovering, Mackenzie (Andrew) Allen, Nicholas (Breanna) Chase, Anna (Nathan) Barnes; 38 great-grandchildren; siblings Larry (Janet) Neil, Linda (Don) Gilliem, Sandra (Ray) Kezenius, Ron (Carla) Neil; sister-in-law Brenda Chase; brothers-in-law Roger (Gayle) Chase and Robert (Kathy) Chase; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, foster children, and exchange students.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jean’s honor may be made to Manna’s Market, 7180 Velte Rd, Lake Odessa, MI 48849.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 28, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 PM, and again on Saturday from 10:00–11:00 AM, followed by an 11:00 AM funeral service, all at Kilpatrick Church, 10005 E Barnum Rd, Woodland, MI 48897. A luncheon will follow the service. Arrangements are entrusted to Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.