Jean Marie Buche-Woltz-Gray

Jean Buche-Woltz-Gray passed away peacefully at home on January 8, 2024 after a brave fight with pancreatic cancer. She was born on June 20, 1947 to Margaret (Valentine) and Horace (Pete) Buche. She was the oldest of six children.

Jean graduated from Lakewood High School in 1965. After graduation, she attended Lansing Community College and received her certification as an LPN. Later, she graduated from Ferris State University and received her RN certification. Jean was employed in the nursing field for 42 years as an LPN, RN, RN Supervisor, and MDS Case Manager. She retired from the Michigan Veteran Homes of Grand Rapids.

Jean leaves behind her loving husband, Thom Gray, her daughter Amanda Woltz, step-daughter Amanda Jean Gray (Wayne),step-son Saul Gray-Hildenbrand (Jenna), step-son Matt Reed, and grand-children Monica Peterson, Jerome Gray-Hildenbrand, Rena Bowerman, and LJ Bowerman. She will be greatly missed by her siblings: Beth Ainsworth, Steve Buche (Denise), John Buche (Janet), Matt Buche (Deb), Amy O’Brien (Jim) and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins whom she dearly loved.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her infant son, Jason, son-in-law, Marc Peterson, sister-in-law Suzie Buche, and sister-in-law, Peggy Buche.

Jean was a 4-H leader for the Sundance Riders in Rockford. She loved to travel with her husband. As the matriarch, she also loved gathering her family around her and kept a watchful eye over them with just the right amount of sisterly nosiness that only her siblings could appreciate.

Because of her love of blooming flowers, Jean’s Celebration of Life will be held June 23, 2024, 3pm until 5pm at Lakewood Church 10265 Brown Rd, Lake Odessa, MI 48849. According to Jean’s wishes, please direct any memorial donations to Manna’s Market in Lake Odessa, Michigan.