Jeanne Marie Ingalls, 95, of Whitehall, died Friday, January 26, 2018. She was born April 27, 1922, in Chicago, the daughter of Victor and Esther (Sweers) Ruzicka.

Jeanne lived a long and rich life of self-reliance, creative flair, and thoughtful compassion for others. She dressed and carried herself with impeccable style. In her mind, her greatest achievement was a loving and dedicated family, who surrounded her when she passed in the beautiful home she and her husband, John (d. 2002), created.

Growing up in the tiny resort of Lakewood Club through the Great Depression with her beloved younger brother, Bob, she served customers in their family's general store while her parents worked relentlessly -- through summers bustling with vacationers from Chicago and cold, isolated winters. Gifted and imaginative, she created exquisitely detailed dolls from little scraps of cloth at age 8.

Graduating from Muskegon High School in 1941, she worked for 18 years in personnel at Continental Motors and at Misco Castings. She was valued for her graceful diplomacy and her ability to listen and find solutions.

World War II took her brother and several close friends. Working through losses in her life, she quietly gave up an infant daughter for adoption in 1951.

In 1958, she married John Ingalls, an up-and-coming engineer at Misco who was similarly creative, independent and intent on raising a family. Moving to Pentwater, they created an idyllic childhood for sons John Peter (b. 1960) and Robert Arthur (b.1962).  She brought skill and imagination to her cooking, her decorating, her beautiful gardens, and to her passionate piano-playing.

Jeanne served as president of the Pentwater Garden Club and as a member of the boards of the Arts Council of White Lake and Whitehall Public Schools. She enlivened their publications with whimsical cartoon drawings, always approaching issues with a light and perceptive touch.

In 1982, her daughter, Ann, found her, and Jeanne and John gratefully welcomed Ann and her family into their lives.

When John passed in 2002, Jeanne steadfastly maintained her independence, living alone with two cats, improving the house, driving until the age of 93, and watching with amazement as her children's families grew.

Jeanne is survived by sons Peter (Elle) Ingalls and Bob (Diane) Ingalls, daughter Ann (Don) Milanowski, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Esther Sweers Ruzicka, her father, Victor Hugo Ruzicka, her brother, Victor Hugo "Bob" Ruzicka, and her husband, John Emerson Ingalls.

Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will celebrated at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 10, 2018, at St. James Catholic Church, with Fr. Peter Omogo celebrant. A luncheon will follow at the church. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the time of services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Arts Council of White Lake or St. James Catholic Church.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service – White Lake Chapel, in Whitehall, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com