Jeanette A. Osterhouse

Jean passed away suddenly at age 78 in Mishawaka, IN.She was born in Chicago, IL to Bernard and Eunice (Helmick) Keifer but lived in Niles, since 1970.She is survived by all 4 of her children: Beverly V. Torres,Thomas B. Vance, Steven E. Vance and Mark B. Bowlin; 6 grandchildren: Crystal VanLew, Jennifer Jones, Thomas W. Vance, Kimberly Skeens, Regan Vanceand Amy Bowlin.; her 7 great grandchildren Justin VanLew,Dominick Lary, Julie Lary, Madilynn Lary, Liam Lary,Emmalee Skeens and Lillian Vance; 1 brother, Bernie Kiefer and 2 sisters Sharon Fischer and Linda Clarke; and herbeloved dog Raisen..She is preceded in death by her parents and her granddaughter Cynthia Torres.In the 1960’s, before starting a family, she enjoyed being part of the U.S.O. in Chicago, where she had a lot of fun and made some life-long friends. She attended Finishing School in her early 20’s and, until her later years possessed great style. Before it was fashionable, she was a consummate DIY-er. In the 1970’s, she prided herself in making our backyard an enviable personal playground. And as a mother of 4 young kids, she could always find a way to make things fun. She enjoyed cake decorating, including making lovely wedding cakes, for many years. She loved making her yard look nice with flowers, bushes and trees. She was extremely creative, making various types of crafts through the years, and could draw quite well. She enjoyed watching Big Bang Theory, Storage Wars, Shark Tank, True Crime shows and Christian programs (especially those about The End Times, Tribulation and the Rapture). She always had an uncanny sense of direction and was quick with numbers. Throughout her adult life she battled health issues but never lost her silly/sassy sense of humor. She was a good person and a good mother…and you can hardly ask for more than that. To send private condolences, please visit: http://www.mcgannhay.com/condolences.html