Jennette Mae Robertson

Jennette Mae (née Kilbourn) Robertson, 84, of Battle Creek and Clarkston, Michigan, entered eternal life peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on August 12, 2025. Born on February 22, 1941, to George and Velma Kilbourn, Jan was the middle of nine children. She grew up in Battle Creek on a lake, where she and her family loved to swim, boat, and fish. From an early age, she embodied the kindness, resilience, and generosity that became the hallmarks of her life.

At 19, Jan married her beloved husband, Donald Bruce Robertson, in Battle Creek. They later settled in Clarkston, Michigan, where they began their life together and raised four children: Cynthia, James, Dawn, and Brian. Her greatest joy was raising her family, but she also contributed by selling Avon and Queensway to Fashion. Known for her warm, caring, and helpful nature, Jan later found success working in retail at several department stores and also enjoyed waitressing.

She loved to travel, with favorite destinations including Hawaii, Mexico, Spain, Morocco, and the Caribbean. Cruising was her greatest joy, especially the nights spent dancing with Bruce. Many cherished family vacations were taken in northern Michigan and Florida, with special summer trips to Battle Creek to reconnect with her family on their farms.

In 1981, Jan and Bruce, along with their three younger children, relocated to Winter Park, Florida. There, Jan supported her husband in his business, Creative Financial Services, and in various home sales ventures, all while caring for her family. She had a deep love for family and friends, often welcoming out-of-state visitors into her home. Whether tailgating at football games with Bruce, dancing at dinner clubs, or socializing with friends, Jan was always ready to enjoy life and have a good time.

In their later years, Jan and Bruce retired to Davenport, Florida, where they made their home in Polo Park West. There, she enjoyed being close to her lifelong best friend and sister-in-law, Leola Kilbourn, as well as her eldest sister, Rosie O’Neal. Following Bruce’s passing in 2019, Jan returned to Clarkston, Michigan, in 2021, where she spent her remaining years surrounded by family and loved ones.

Jan is survived and loved by her children, Cynthia (Rodney) Crandell, James (Lynn) Robertson, Dawn (Matthew Wedel) Robertson, and Brian (Caroline Obejero) Robertson; sister, Mary (Paul) Niemela; brother, Alford Kilbourn; sisters-in-law, Jane Kilbourn and Leola Kilbourn; brother-in-law, William O’Neal; grandchildren, Janelle (Kevin) Smith, Jeremy Edmunds, Matthew (Steffanie Kaechle) Crandell, Elizabeth (William) Kemeny, Jacob Travers, Erika (Ryan) Murtha, Cody Wedel, Christian Robertson, Samuel Trombly, and Asher Trombly; great-grandchildren, Noah, Eleanor, Mason, Myles, Presley, Owen, Kelsey, Olivia, Henry, Abby, Claire and Grace; and many nieces and nephews

Jan was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Bruce Robertson; parents, George and Velma Kilbourn; brothers, Daniel Kilbourn, George Kilbourn, Leon Kilbourn, Raymond Kilbourn, and Gary Kilbourn; sister, Rosie (née Kilbourn) O’Neal; sisters-in-law, Ruth Kilbourn and Mary Kilbourn; and several other family members.

Jan’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and selflessness. She will be remembered not only for her devotion to family but also for the way she made everyone feel cared for and at home in her presence. Her laughter, her stories, and her unwavering strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Though she will be deeply missed, her love and example will forever remain a guiding light for her family and friends.