Jean Gale Selby

Jean Gale Selby (née Campbell) was born in 1930 in Traverse City, the only child of Jean Inglis Campbell Kasemeyer and Roy Campbell. Jean passed away peacefully on Jan. 24, 2018 at her home in Midland at the age of 87.

She is survived by her husband, Ted; nine of her 10 children; 18 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. The love she readily distributed among this progeny is traveling widely today.

She attended Wayne State University in Detroit, where she was effervescent and fun-loving – occasionally at the expense of her academic career to become a grade-school teacher. She met Theodore William Selby at the Newman Club of the University, and they married in 1951.

They began their family and career in the Detroit area. Jean was a dedicated homemaker, wife and mother and managed a child-filled household with great commitment. In 1964, the family moved to Midland, where Jean continued to be the bedrock for their large family, which eventually grew to 10 children. She was energetic, pragmatic, organized and steady. Yet she could also be whimsical and creative, known for creating holiday and birthday extravaganzas. Her children all remember the 25 pies at Christmas time.

She also had a strong sense of service and a vital spirituality. From her earliest years in Midland, she volunteered at St. Brigid School and Church where she eventually became a lay minister, visiting the sick and assisting as a reader at Mass. She helped to develop and run a very successful education program for those entering the church.

She was also a member of the Zonta Club of Midland, Church Women United, The American Association of University Women, the Midland Chamber of Commerce and volunteered at the MidMichigan Health Center.

While she was informed and motivated by her faith, she tended to speak sparingly about her spiritual life, preferring to "preach always and when necessary, use words."

Visitation will be at Ware-Smith Woolever Funeral Chapel on Friday, January 26, 2018 from 4-7 p.m. and again at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of Mass. There will be a vigil service held at 6 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at St. Brigid of Kildare Church, 207 Ashman St. in Midland. Father Andy Booms will officiate with interment to follow at Midland Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Brigid Catholic School or Chippewa Nature Center.