Jeanne H. Brandes, 89, of Coldwater, formerly of Battle Creek, passed away on July 22, 2014 at Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility in Coldwater.
The funeral service will be Friday, July 25, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater with Pastor Steve Young from the United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Marshall. Visitation will be Friday, July 25, 2014, prior to the service, beginning at 9:00 AM at Dutcher Funeral Home.
Jeanne was born June 24, 1925 in Hastings, MI to Joseph J. & Edith D. (Maatman) DeRuiter. She married Robert P. Brandes on August 6, 1947 in Battle Creek, he preceded her in death on February 22, 2011.
Jeanne graduated from Marshall High School in 1943, attended Hope College and graduated from Argubright Business College in Battle Creek in 1946. She had worked for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek , served as secretary to the Dean of Commerce at Ferris State College and at the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek before coming to Coldwater in 1963. She held jobs at St. Paul Lutheran Church, the office of Lyon Pharmacy, Dr. Lenz’ office, Branch Co. CHC LPN School and the Branch ISD, from which she retired in 1987.
Jeanne was a member of the Coldwater United Methodist Church. She enjoyed golf, bowling, knitting, cross stitching and crocheting. Jeanne also enjoyed working puzzles, traveling, birds and flowers.
Jeanne is survived by her daughters Karen (Michael) Wood of Coldwater, Vicki (Eric) Hillborg of Sherwood, her grandchildren Justin (Heather) Wood, Cindy (Michael) Schall, great grandchildren Emily, Alexis & Braylon Wood, Nora & Ethan Schall, her sister Doris (Roger) Peekstok, her brother Ronald (Carol) DeRuiter both of Kalamazoo, her sister-in-law Mary Brandes of Tracy, CA and several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her brother-in-law William Lee Brandes, niece Linda Peekstok, and sister-in-law Kay DeRuiter .
Memorials may be directed to Drew’s Place of Coldwater, Maple Lawn, or the United Methodist Church.