Jean Muha

Jean B. (Bugai) Muha

Jean B. Muha, 93, of Ellsworth, passed away on January 9, 2015 at Providence Park Hospital in Novi, Michigan.

Born January 5, 1922 in Big Rapids, Michigan to Joseph Bugai and Louise Larsen, Jean grew up in East Jordan. She graduated from Michigan State University with a major in journalism and was the associate editor of the school newspaper. Jean proudly served in the United States Navy during WWII, achieving the rank of Ensign. She was stationed in New York City and Chicago.

On May 5, 1956 Jean married Arnold H. "Bill" Muha at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. The couple had four children: Michael Joseph (Jill) of Wixom, Michigan; Jeffrey William of Dallas, Texas; David James (Kathy) of Centerville, Ohio; and Mary Jessica (Steve) of Irvington, New York. The family lived in Ellsworth where Jean and Bill owned Ellsworth Lumber Company, inherited from Jean's father.

Jean was preceded in death by her son Jeffrey, her husband Bill, her parents, her sister Irene Protzel, and her brother James (Buddy) Bugai.

Jean led a life devoted to her family, her faith, education and charity. She was a Boy Scout den mother, president of the Ellsworth School Board, active throughout the years at both the Charlevoix and East Jordan Catholic parishes, and advocated strongly for education and the environment. Jean never missed attending a sporting, music or theatrical event in which one of her children participated. Additionally, Jean contributed any resource available to her to support others in need.

Jean enjoyed reading, bird watching, gardening, cooking and playing bridge. She was a long-term member of the East Jordan Garden Club and a member of social bridge clubs throughout the years.

When Jean first became a grandmother in 1999 and then again in 2008, she found a new focus for her energies and unconditional love. Her granddaughters Maxine Rose and Emma Davi were fortunate to spend many years with their grandmother during holidays, vacations and other memorable times. Their grandmother's impact on their lives was significant and influential. She is also survived by other devoted family members: step-grandchildren, stepsons, nephews and nieces, Justin, Emily, Will and Faith.

Jean will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was central to our lives and the memories and connections we hold most dearly today.

Cremation has taken place. The funeral mass will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Charlevoix with burial to follow at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in East Jordan. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass at St. Mary's.

Friends are invited to join family at the Front Porch Restaurant, 9235 Main Street, Ellsworth, Michigan for pie, hors d'oeuvres and desserts at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16.

The Muha family is assisted by Hastings Funeral Home in Ellsworth, online at hastingsfuneral.com.