Jean Marie Ingersoll

     Jean Marie (nee Follett) Ingersoll, age 76, of Ashley, MI (formerly of Lapeer, MI) passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, peacefully at her home with family by her side.
     Per Jean's request there will be a celebration of life held at a later date.
     Jean was the fourth of six children born to Josephine (nee Sipka) and Howard Follett on January 24, 1950 in Alma, MI. She was brought home to Ashley, MI where she was raised on a family farm and lived until graduating with the Ashley High School, class of 1968 where she participated in basketball, band, and cadet teaching and cheerleading during her high school years.
      She met and married the love of her life, John Ingersoll, in 1969, and they were inseparable until he passed away on August 12, 2004, after 35 years of marriage. Their employment took them too many locations in Michigan – Davison, Kalamazoo, Coldwater, Holland, and finally settling in Lapeer where their two sons, Anthony John and Todd Michael attended elementary through high school.
     Jean retired from the Lapeer Michigan Dept. of Corrections Education Dept. in 2002. Jean and John were active members of the Lapeer community taking part in Boy Scouts, coaching Little League teams, hosting the Gus Macker tournaments, sponsoring Rotary Club exchange students from Brazil (Leo), Denmark (Sune), China, India and several other countries in their home and even housing dignitaries through the Lapeer Rotary Club. Jean enjoyed gardening, MSU football games (mainly the tailgate), playing cards with friends, bowling leagues, garage sales, and welcoming family and friends into their home where everyone was treated like family and could stay as long as needed, and no one EVER went hungry; she was an amazing cook!!
     She was predeceased by her parents Josephine and Howard Follett, her mother-in-law Evelyn (nee Hunter) Ingersoll, her brother Dan “Boone” Follett, and her brother and sisters-in-law: Richard Miller, Marcella Shank, Jonathan Ingersoll, Joanne Klanke, Jill Dennis, and Judith Ingersoll. She is survived by her sons: Anthony (Michelle) Ingersoll of Lapeer, MI; and Todd (Mindy) Ingersoll of Illinois, her much loved grandson Jack and step- grandchildren: Kaleb and Carley; her sisters: Martha Miller and Colleen Follett; nieces: (special thanks to Cathy Ackles Miller for being there for her for so long), nephews, brother and sisters-in-law: Jacklynn Fairfield, Janet (Craig) Bisard , Jimmy (Nina) Ingersoll, and Kelly (Kristen) Ingersoll.
      Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elise, Michigan.