Nov. 29, 1933 — Sept. 27, 2015

Clarimond “Jean” LaJean Backus, 81, of Niles passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at Lakeland Hospital, Niles.

Jean was born on Nov. 29, 1933, to the late Myrle and Ardene Grubbs in South Bend, Indiana. On May 29, 1976, she married Ernest Backus at a ceremony in Buchanan, Michigan.

She worked as a beautician for many years and owned her own shop, LaJean’s Hair Salon in Niles. Jean loved the Lord and was a devoted mother and grandmother. She mostly enjoyed being with her family, but also loved playing the piano, fishing, knitting, playing cards and games, bowling, cooking, gardening, hanging out at “the lake,” and her beloved dog Benji. Jean was very giving and active in church.

She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Ernie; children, Dan Hushower, Randy (Pam) Hushower, Roxanne (Don) Wolfram, Tammy Smith, and Deborah (Randy) Strefling; sister, Lorelei Smith; brother, Jim (Melody) Grubbs; grandchildren, Derek (Megan) Hushower, Hillary (A.J.) Hushower-Jones, Jonathan Parrott, Hunter Wolfram, Garrett Wolfram, Vanessa Wolfram, Stephanie (Casey) Brooks, Erika Smith, Matthew Smith and Miranda (Dustin) Companion; 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Myrle and Ardene and grandson Dameon Hushower.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday Oct. 2, 2015, at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, at Hoven Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service Friday from 12-1 pm at Hoven Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com