Lucy Ann Jeakle, age 100 of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, June 12, 2025. She fulfilled her wish of reaching her 100th birthday, a milestone she proudly celebrated with those who loved her most. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Jack Jeakle; granddaughter, Jennifer Jeakle; granddaughter-in-law, Bekah VandenBerg; parents, Theron and Bernice Tayler; sisters, Roxie (Malcolm) Booker, Goatie (Andy) Thomas; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Jack) Montgomery. Lucy is survived by her sister, Georgie (George Solomon) Richner; children, John Jr. “Jerry” (Donna) Jeakle, Carolyn (Greg) DePuydt, Cat Jeakle, Tom (Mary) Jeakle, Anne (Vern) VandenBerg, Mary Lynn Jeakle, Jim (Sara) Jeakle, Susy (Mike) Coulson; grandchildren, Matt Jeakle, Christopher (Audrey) DePuydt, Michael (Grace) DePuydt, Julie (Ashley Spoto) Jeakle, Kevin (Maureen) Jeakle, Daniel (Ivory) Jeakle, David, Andrew, and Kimberly VandenBerg, Justin (Angelina) Coulson, Kayleigh Coulson; great grandchildren, Joseph, Alika, Keoni, Andy, Audrey, Maddie, Heidi, Gideon, Malakai, Camden, and one on the way; along with many loved nieces and nephews.
Lucy was a true class act in every sense of the word. Throughout her life, she inspired countless women around her—many would say, ‘I want to grow up to be Lucy Jeakle.’ She dedicated herself to service, volunteering extensively and serving on numerous boards and committees, all while raising her eight children with grace and strength.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11am on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 750 Gladstone Drive SE, East Grand Rapids, 49506, with visitation one hour prior. Rev. Paul Milanowski presiding. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorial Contributions can be directed to the Egypt Valley Country Club Scholarship Foundation, 7333 Knapp St. NE, Ada, Michigan 49301.
7 Responses
Dear Cat, sending my sympathies to you, your family, and all your mother’s loved ones. What a legacy she has left you all. Reading of all her accomplishments, it’s easy to see where you got your adventuresome spirit. Im sorry I never got to meet her. No matter their age and frailties, it’s still a difficult goodbye. Many hugs. And welcome to the Orphans Club – a club we never wish to join . Much peace.
Dear Cat, sending my sympathies to you, your family, and all your mother’s loved ones. What a legacy she has left you all. Reading of all her accomplishments, it’s easy to see where you got your adventuresome spirit. Im sorry I never got to meet her. No matter their age and frailties, it’s still a difficult goodbye. Many hugs. And welcome to the Orphans Club – a club we never wish to join . Much peace.
Condolences to her family and friends. What a long life of love!
With our sympathy on the loss of your mother.She made it too 100years old. What a blessing. God bless you all. Gary and Char Downer
It’s a wonderful thing to have longevity and be able function like she did for all those years. We should all pay heed to the way she lived her life. My condolences
Frank Vicari.
Lucy was a very special lady. I am blessed to have known her. I worked with her at St. Stephen Parish. My favorite memory is the year that she was my golf partner at the St. Stephen Annual Golf Outing. She was an amazing golfer. We had a great time! Rest in Peace Lucy.
I knew Lucy from Egypt Valley. Whenever the younger gals would walk through the card room she would always smile and have something encouraging to say. Lovely, lovely lady.