Jean L. Kennedy, age 81 of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, April 4, 2013. She was born November 2, 1931 the daughter of Vernal and Celia (Washburn) Kilburn. Jean grew up in Ballston Spa, New York. She married Roger Kennedy in 1951; he was in the United States Air force, stationed in Rantoul, IL. Following his discharge, Roger accepted a teaching position at Ferris State University and the young couple moved to Big Rapids in 1955. Jean was an active homemaker and mother. She was a long time member of the FCE group (Family Community and Education), a member of Elks Lodge #974 of Big Rapids and a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Big Rapids. Jean is survived by her daughter, Linda (Ronald) Harris of Big Rapids; son, Ralph (Donna) Kennedy of Madison, WI; five grandchildren, Hannah Kennedy, Kristina Kennedy, Joshua (Rachel) Higginson, Kateland Harris, Kelly Harris, Rhonda (Dan) Fish; great grandson, Brandston Fish; three brothers, Vernal (Tangie) Kilburn of El Paso, TX, Gerald (Elaine) Kilburn of Mountain Home, AR, Wayne (Gigi) Kilburn of St. Augustine, FL, three sisters, Nancy (Jerry) Grant of Jacksonville, FL, Donna (Mike) Vosburg of Green Coves Springs, FL, Kathy Vaughn of St. Augustine, FL and many nieces and nephews. Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roger Kennedy; a son, Fredrick Kennedy; a brother, Richard Kilburn and a sister, Alva Mangini. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Big Rapids with Pastor Clay Bates officiating. There will be a viewing one hour prior (at 10:00 a.m.) to services for family and friends at the church. Memorial contributions in Jean's name may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Big Rapids.