Janet L. "Jan" Hubbell, 85, of Kewadin, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to the late Clyde and Helen Hubbell on February 17, 1939, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

At the age of eight her family moved to Kewadin to pursue her father's dream of Cherry farming.  She loved music; playing the organ and piano for family and many public recitals, and enjoyed her school years playing in the band and participating in 4-H. She graduated from Elk Rapids High School in 1957.

On September 14, 1957, she married Richard F. "Dick" Hubbell. She is survived by her six children, Tim Hubbell, Terry (Tammy) Hubbell, Jeanne (Tim) Comai, Kathy (Frank) Bussa, Mary Jo (Kenneth) Campbell, Rick (Kashy) Hubbell, and her bonus children, Dave (Tracy) Lark, Tom Hudson, Gordon T. Hulburt, Dale (Kim) Hulburt, Pam (Mike) Couturier, Vickie Grow, and Katrine (Karl) Balch; 26 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Jerry (Toni) Hubbell; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of 'adopted' kids and grandkids too numerous to name. You know who you are, and she loved you just like her own.

Jan is predeceased by her parents; her first husband, Richard F. Hubbell; her second husband, James B. Hurst; and her special companion, Gordon C. Hulburt.

Jan was a loving and devoted mother, grandma, and friend to all whose lives she touched. She was always there when you needed her most, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance. Many will remember Jan from her years at MESC (Michigan Employment Security Commission). She retired in 1993 after 30 years. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling, working at Elk Rapids Schools Kid's Club, several daycare centers, and Altonen's fruit markets, where she could continue her love of caring for children and gardening. Being a farm girl at heart, she was an avid gardener and rockhound. Her flower gardens were a beautiful sight to behold. Jan found immense pleasure in decorating for every holiday and season. Her storage areas are bursting with tubs of decorations for every season imaginable.

She had a way of making everyone feel like they were part of the family - "the more the merrier."  Jan treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as "Nana".

She enjoyed sending cards and rarely forgot a birthday, anniversary, or special accomplishment. Jan and Dick spent many evenings dancing and were best known for their prowess with the polka. It is an understatement that Jan will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Mom was the strongest woman you ever met. Most recently surviving a fall that broke her neck, a doctor told her she was a 'walking miracle'.

Jan's family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life not the sadness of her passing. In lieu of plants and flowers, donations in Memory of Jan Hubbell can be made to the Cancer Needs Fund at the Cowell Family Cancer Center at Munson Medical Center.

Memorial services will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, 312 Pine Street, Elk Rapids, Michigan 49629.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until time of services at the funeral home.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com