Jeanette Jane Taft

Jeanette J.(Hand) Taft, 96, passed away peacefully at Reflections Memory Care on June 1, 2024 with relatives at her side and others praying from home.  Jeanette was born to Howard J. Hand and Ruth M . (Hadley)  Hand in Battle Creek, Michigan on September 2, 1927.  She attended Lakeview Schools.  On June 8, 1942, she married her loving partner of over 75 years, Wendal E. Taft, in Battle Creek, MI.  Jeanette and Wendal later renewed their wedding vows on a Norwegian Cruise trip to the Caribbean Islands.    Together they built and owned Taft’s A & W Drive Inn in Albion, Michigan.   Jeanette and Wendal also served with the Emmett Township Fire Department answering the phones, driving the trucks and dispatching the volunteers to fire sites.  Jeanette was an Eastern Star member.  After retirement, Jeanette and Wendal enjoyed many trips in their motor homes wintering in Las Vegas.  They also later wintered in their home in Ft. Myers, FL.    Jeanette loved to cook and bake, often gifting her creations to others.  She always loved going to casinos and was celebrated by a special “Jeanette Taft Day” at Firekeeper’s Casino after Covid restrictions were lifted.  She also enjoyed computer games, especially Bookworm.  Mushroom hunting and fishing on the pontoon boat the couple owned were favorite outdoor activities.  Jeanette’s favorite color was purple which she often wore.  She was known for her quick response to “How old are you?” with “29” even when she was much younger!  She was also quick to point out her much loved American flags when she spotted them on her road trips with family.  Jeanette and Wendal worked hard to instill a good work ethic and honesty in their children Sally (Lou) Bishop of Athens, MI, Carolyn Heath and Brenda Hubbert  (both of Battle Creek). All three girls played the accordion and owned and showed horses thanks to the many sacrifices made by Jeanette and Wendal.  In addition to their daughters, Jeanette and Wendal had 4 grandchildren: Dorn Taft, Andrew Hubbert, Donna (Todd) Anderson (all of Battle Creek) and Denise (Art) Otarola of Colorado Springs, CO.;  6 great grandchildren:  Chase Hubbert, Christian Hubbert, Kailee Anderson,  Austin Anderson (all of Battle Creek) and Ariana Otarola and Aiden Otarola (both of Colorado Springs) and 1 great –great grandson, Bentley Hubbert.  Jeanette leaves a special brother and his amazing wife, Howard J “Jerry” (Gloria) Hand Jr. (Bumpus Mills, TN).  Jeanette also leaves many cherished sisters and brothers-in-law; nieces and nephews and good friends;  Jeanette was predeceased by her husband Wendal E. Taft;  parents Howard and Ruth Hand, and a brother, Kenneth E. Hand, ( all of Battle Creek); a daughter Brenda K (Taft) Hubbert ; and many brothers-  and sisters-in law.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, June 9, 2024 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services.  Funeral service scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 10, 2024 at the funeral home, with Rev. Don Mason of the First Congregational Church, Union City, MI officiating.   Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.  Special thanks go out to the many dedicated staff members at Reflections Memory Care, and the caring and compassionate caregivers at Elara Caring Hospice.  Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Elara Caring Hospice, American Cancer Society, Humane Society of South Central Michigan or the First Congregational Church of Union City, MI.   www.henryfuneralhome.org