Kenneth E. Tebbetts

Kenneth E. Tebbetts – Beloved Husband, Father, Papa, and Friend

Kenneth E. Tebbetts, a devoted family man, successful entrepreneur, and pillar of his community,

passed away peacefully after a life rich in dedication and joy.

Ken was a true spring baby, born on March 20, 1935, the first day of spring, to Viola and Dean

Tebbetts. He grew up on Picadilly Street in Detroit with his younger sister, Beth. He was one of the

original members of the Sandlot Gang-a band of neighborhood boys who spent their days riding

bikes and organizing pickup baseball games. He was a proud member of the first graduating class

of Mumford High School in 1953.

Ken pursued higher education, attending Michigan State and Albion College before completing his

Bachelor's Degree at Ferris State in 1961. He honorably served his country for a short enlistment in

the Army Reserves with the 1st Missile Battalion, 177th Michigan Army National Guard.

A Partnership Built on Love

His early career led him to Blue Cross Blue Shield in Detroit, where he met the love of his life, Kay.

He was immediately smitten. They were married on May 23, 1964, sharing 58 wonderful years

together that were rich with love, laughter, and mutual devotion. They first made their home in

Madison Heights before building a loving home together in Troy. Ken and Kay took great pride in

their home; Ken always made sure the grass was cut, the landscaping was immaculately trimmed,

and colorful, vibrant flowers were on full display. Ken also had a special love for Christmas, turning

their Troy home into a beautiful holiday display inside and out that brought cheer to the

neighborhood and to family holidays.

Late in life, when the house in Troy became too much to care for along with Kay's failing health, Ken

& Kay moved to Town Village in 2021. Ken was a loving and devoted caregiver to Kay until her

passing in August of 2022.

Entrepreneur and Dedicated Professional

Ken was a man of great professional character whose work was always motivated by a love of

helping others. After his time at Blue Cross, he worked at a few more insurance companies, gaining

invaluable experience. In the mid-1980s, he channeled that expertise into successfully building his

own employee insurance benefits consulting business. Ken took great pride in serving his clients, a

testament to his dedication; he maintained a few client relationships and accounts even after

moving into Town Village. His dedication to sharing his knowledge continued in retirement; even at

Town Village, he put together and presented a thoughtful seminar for residents and their families to

help them understand the complexities of Medicare insurance.

The Heart of our Family

Ken's greatest joy was his family. As a devoted father, he was actively involved in his children's

pursuits, spending countless hours coaching their baseball and soccer teams, serving as a troop

leader in Cub Scouts, and supporting school activities as an Athens High School Marching Band

Booster. He is survived by his children, Steve (Lora) and Kristin (Ken), and his sister Beth (Karl), who will

carry his memory in their hearts forever. He was a proud Papa to his grandchildren: Jessica and

Emily (Steve's daughters), and Victoria, Tyler, Kaden, and Katie (Kristin's children).

Ken also had a lifelong love for animals, caring for many faithful family dogs over the years: Bo,

Gypsy, Josie, Pepper, and finally Sparky, along with one very special cat, Tigger. When Ken could

no longer manage to care for Sparky the way he wanted, Sparky became a snuggly member of

Steve's family, a testament to Ken's commitment to ensuring his pets were always loved.

Ken and the Tebbetts family shared a lifelong passion for travel and adventure. In early years, he

and his family would spend summers by the lake in Kalkaska and later, West Branch. They took

memorable road trips to visit Kay's Mom and Dad just outside Memphis, Tennessee, and enjoyed

family vacations to Florida, Hilton Head Island, exciting cruises in the Caribbean and Mexico,

Alaska, and a cruise up into New England and Maine. Never one to be down too long, after Kay's

passing in 2022, Ken stretched his legs again and enjoyed several trips to visit family in California,

Florida, and weekend getaways with Steve's family in South Haven.

Community and Resilience

An avid and dedicated golfer, Ken played in many Troy Senior Leagues and achieved a proud

milestone with his one and only hole-in-one in his mid-70s. Ken was a lifelong Michigan sports fan,

spending many a Saturday and Sunday cheering passionately for his beloved Tigers, Lions, and Red

Wings, as well as both University of Michigan and Michigan State football. He enthusiastically

attended his grandchildren's music and dance recitals, school plays, and baseball games. Ken was

also active in the community, serving as a part of the Chamber of Commerce for Troy and

dedicating time to his church, First Congregational Church of Royal Oak. Even after moving to

Town Village, Ken built a new life and became an active resident. He served on the Residents

Board, working closely with the maintenance team.

In 2021, when Ken was given his cancer diagnosis, he faced that with courage and grace, always

endeavoring to live life to the fullest. He is remembered for his dedication, his community spirit, his

entrepreneurial drive, and above all, his unwavering love and loyalty for his family and friends.

Ken passed away quietly in his sleep at his home at Town Village early in the morning on

September 29, 2025, with Steve and Kristin lovingly by his side.

Family will receive friends at the A.J. Desmond Funeral Home at 2600 Crooks Rd., in Troy, MI on

Sunday, Oct. 5th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and on Monday, October 6th from 11:00 am to 1:00

pm. A Memorial Service will begin at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at White Chapel Cemetery in

Troy.

Ken had a deep love and compassion for his furry friends. Memorial donations can be made to the

Humane Society of Michigan.