Jean Ann Kish

Jean Ann Kish (Rolka) of Elkton, age 83, passed away unexpectedly with her family by her side on Friday, July 31, 2026. Jean was born in Caro, Michigan, on May 17, 1943, to the late Frank and Nell (Michela) Rolka and was a 1961 graduate of Caro High School. To say that animals were her life would be an understatement! Jean worked as a dog groomer with the Bad Axe Animal Clinic until her retirement and looked forward to the Thumb Animal Shelter Walk-A-Thon every year. She found a great deal of entertainment feeding and watching the birds in her yard and loved watching animal shows on TV, especially if they showed pet rescue. In addition to her passion for animals, Jean loved learning every chance she had and had a knack for geography and history. She had a great memory and could recall memories and stories from her long life that was full of kindness and caring for others. Jean is remembered as being a loving, if sassy, woman who was the funniest person you could ever meet. She was sarcastic at times, and even a bit stubborn, but her love and compassion flowed through every living being that was blessed to have her in their life.

Jean is survived by children, Cindie (Mike) Dubs, Andrew (Dena) Kish, and Christian (Melissa) Kish; grandchildren, Rebecca Dubs (Favorite Grandchild), Kayla (Chantry) Linseman, Nick (Jasmin) Dubs, Shawn (Marc’l) Kish, Bailey (Cody) Clarke, and Brett Kish; great grandchildren, Ava Kish, Donny Clarke, and Elliott Clarke; and brothers, Jim Rolka and Gary Rolka; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, friends, and her beloved dog, Cadence.

In accordance with Jean’s wishes, cremation is to take place. To honor her lifelong commitment to animals, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Thumb Animal Shelter, 2260 South Elkton Road, Elkton, MI 48731.