Eugenia "Jean" Kempton, 85 of Big Rapids, passed away at her residence, Wednesday, July 27, 2011. She was born on December 9, 1925 in Canton, MA. Following high school, she entered nurses training and graduated three years later. She specialized in pediatrics and was a surgical physician's assistant at Boston City Hospital. Jean later served in the United States Air Force, becoming a first lieutenant and meeting her husband, Lewis. They served in England before moving to Michigan. She was chief nurse at the Wurtsmith Air Force Base Hospital in Oscoda, director of nursing at Stanwood Hospital and worked for the Mecosta County Health Department. Jean loved babies and young children. She also enjoyed baking, cooking, arts and crafts and making dolls and toys. She is survived by her daughter, Wanda and son-in-law, Bill Taylor of Big Rapids; grandchildren J.L. Holdsworth of Columbus, OH, Janet (Jeremy) Clore of Cedar Springs, Krista (Kyle) Royston of Lansing, Jenny (Shane) Prince of Big Rapids, and Kira Holdsworth of Manchester, NH, Angelica Taylor of Grand Rapids, Thomas Taylor of Grand Rapids, Kayle, Kimberly, Kelly, Travis, Jacob and Stacy Taylor of Big Rapids; six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Kempton, her parents, three sisters and two brothers. Funeral services will take place 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 30th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Father Lam T. Le officiating. The family will greet friends 2 hours prior to services (beginning 11:00 a.m.) at the funeral home on Saturday. Burial will be at Hinton Township Cemetery near Sylvester.