Jean Marie Rardin, age 72 of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully Monday, October 12, 2015 at home, surrounded by her beloved family. She was born February 25, 1943 in Chicago, the daughter of Elden "Al" and Eulalia "Winnie" (Butler) Johnson. Jean moved to Big Rapids when she was only three years old. She attended St. Mary's Elementary School in Big Rapids, then Marywood Academy in Grand Rapids and she graduated from Big Rapids High School. Jean married Fredrick Rardin on April 4, 1964 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Big Rapids. She was a devoted army wife throughout her husband's career; they retired in 1980 and returned to Big Rapids to live. Jean was a lifelong devout catholic and a member of St. Mary's Parish in Big Rapids. She was very active in her community, working hard and volunteering wherever the need be. Jean had an unsurpassed commitment to the VFW ladies Auxiliary. She was a life member, serving locally and on the district, state and national levels. Jean held many offices, including the State Presidency and the National Office. She also was a member of the DAV Ladies Auxiliary and the VFW Cooties. She is survived by her loving family including; 5 children; Joan (James) Peterson of Big Rapids, Theresa (Willie) Sutton of Reed City, Robert Rardin of Big Rapids, Fredrick (Deborah) Rardin Jr. of Reed City, Annette (Victor) Wooldridge of Pontiac, IL; 20 grandchildren;32 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren, with one on the way in the spring; a brother, William (Claudia) Johnson of Paris; many nieces, nephews, cousins; her VFW family and many dear, lifelong friends. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Fredrick, a brother, Joseph Johnson; two sisters, Elizabeth "Betty" Gilchrist and Arlene VanAlstine. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 16, 2015 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids with Father Charles J. Schwartz officiating. The family will greet friends on Thursday, October 15th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a VFW Ceremony at 7:00 p.m. followed by a Scripture Service. The family will also greet friends at the Church on Friday one hour prior to Mass. In memory of Jean, the family requests prepaid gas cards; these cards will be donated to local dialysis patients in hopes of reliving some of their financial burdens. Share a memory or condolence for the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com