Jean Ward

Died Saturday, July 11, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Jean was born on November 15, 1927 in Portage, MI, the youngest of four children of Nanno E. and Dorothy (Jacobs) Hazelhoff. The Great Depression years made up most of her childhood. She always said they were poor, but everyone else was too! She never knew they were. Growing up on one of the many area celery farms, in a loving home, they worked hard, there was food on the table and new shoes every year. While in 6th grade she met her husband to be, Jim, in 1938. After high school graduation she continued her education enrolling into 1945 beauty school to pursue a cosmetology career. Jean and Jim were married on July 16, 1948. Through the years they made their home in Trout Creek, Grand Rapids, Cedar Springs, Kent City, Morley, White Cloud, returning to Cedar Springs in 2018. She enjoyed being a, homemaker, wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a hairdresser at Bea Burt's Beauty Shop in Cedar Springs. Later years she worked in the libraries at Cedar Springs Jr. High and Morley-Stanwood High School. She is survived by her beloved husband of 72 years Jim; children, son Jim (Nanette) Ward, daughter Kathleen (Oscar) Hernandez; grandchildren Brooke Rathbun, Rebecca Busic, Claire Hernandez, Grant Hernandez; sister Helen Nelson; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Cliff Ward, brother John Hazelhoff, sister Ann Posthumus. The family will greet friends Wednesday 4 -7 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. A graveside service will be held 11 am Thursday at Portage Central Cemetery, Portage, MI, with Pastor Chad Parmalee officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Cliff Ward Scholarship at Kent City Community Schools in memory of Jean, or your favorite charity.