obits

Jean Helen Aki


Jean Helen (Ward) Aki, age 62, of Hastings, passed away on September 10, 2020. Jean was born on July 4, 1958 in Grand Rapids, 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, 1986, Jean married Andre Aki, and they enjoyed 32 years together until his death on July 20, 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, IN; son, Benyamin Aki of Hastings; 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, Sept. 15, 2020 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 with a graveside service to follow at 1:30 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery, 1003 W. State Rd; Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.
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