Karen Mae Jetter, 79, of Big Rapids Michigan, passed away Monday, December 29, 2025, due to an aneurysm. She was born on October 18,1946, in Big Rapids, the daughter of Charles and Doris Balcom.

She enjoyed a full and meaningful life, having careers in real estate, floral design, and as senior citizen site director. She loved working with people and brightening their lives with a wonderful sense of humor. She enjoyed gardening and water color painting and had a particular passion for poetry.

Karen married the love of her life, Cyrus, on March 19,1988. His career took them on many adventures around the world; Italy, Israel, and Switzerland, they retired to settle on family property along the Muskegon River, sharing countless moments with family and friends in a beautiful, peaceful setting. She was a loving mother and grandmother who cherished her time spent with those around her, she will be dearly missed. Her spunky wit and profound love for her family living on as her legacy.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Sherry (Dan) Fisk, Kathy (Blaine) Adams, Kevin Kohn; grandchildren Zachariah, Samantha (Justin), Sabrina, Stephanie (Adam), Kaitlin, Kymra, Nathaniel, Ethan, and Kevin; her sister Marlene Boyd; several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; granddaughter Mariah; and five brothers: Kenneth, Charles, and Brian Balcom, and Eldred and Alan Ritter.

Mom left us with many unfinished poems and writings-among them: “The sweetness of life has taken leave, me and the sky a new blue. The moon once again will be bright and full, only older with a young heart”.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Arrangements are entrusted to Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Homes, Big Rapids. To leave a memory or share a condolence, please visit, www.daggettfuneral.com.