Jean Ford Kraft

During her high school years, her family moved to Ann Arbor where she graduated from Ann Arbor High before entering the nursing program at St. Joseph hospital in Ann Arbor. It was there she met medical student, Dick Kraft, and the two married in June 1952.

They were partners for life and even after 73 years of marriage they still held hands and giggled, only parting ways when Dick passed away in November, 2025. Jean was an extraordinary wife, mother, nurse, grand- and great grandmother, cook, gardener, seamstress, and friend to many. She capably cared for patients, nurtured her children, smothered grandchildren with kisses, volunteered for countless causes at schools, church, and the hospital, and treasured her walks on the white sands in Lanikai holding Dick’s hand.

As matriarch of the clan, she taught us to write thank you notes promptly, to finish chores before play, to cook Yorkshire pudding, and to love fiercely.

She is survived by her three children, Sally (Bob) Staiger of Hanover, NH, Kathy (Jim) Leonhardt of Delafield, WI, Kris (Dawn) Kraft of Ann Arbor, MI, eight grandchildren, and five greatgrandchildren. The family will celebrate her life in a private ceremony.

Muehig Funeral Chapel of Ann Arbor is honored to serve Jean's family. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.MuehligFuneralChapel.com.