Caroline "Jean" (Bush) Schlubatis

Caroline "Jean" (Bush) Schlubatis, 80, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Beacon Hospital in Kalamazoo.

Jean was born on April 23, 1946, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Homer M. and Carolyn H. (Bush) Bush. She grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1964 graduate of Pennfield High School, going on to earn her beautician license. She worked as a beautician in a number of shops throughout her career, beginning at the shop across the street from the former Hart Hotel.

Jean's career later led her to the banking industry, where she spent 25 years before retiring as an assistant bank manager. She was a steady and trusted professional who faced her share of challenges along the way, including surviving two armed robberies at work, encounters she never forgot.

Beyond her career, Jean gave generously to her community. She was a past Deacon of her church and volunteered at the local food pantry. A former President of the American Business Women's Association (ABWA), she was also active in 4H in her younger years, where she competed in Synchronized Swimming and developed her love of sewing and cooking.

Jean married Joseph R. Schlubatis on February 14, 1981, in Battle Creek, Michigan. Together they built a loving family and shared a spirit of adventure - camping and traveling throughout the Great Lakes region, always eager to discover new destinations together.

Jean is survived by her devoted husband, Joe; her sons, David (Michelle) Shulkin of West Bloomfield, MI, Douglas Shulkin of Nashville, TN, and William Schlubatis of Battle Creek; her grandchildren, Shannon Schlubatis and Ashley and Brooke Shulkin; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and their extended families. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Benjamin R. Schlubatis; and her sister, Marie E. Ralston.

Jean was an avid craftsperson who loved quilting and sewing, creating quilts for family, friends, and organizations, and donating many to local hospitals and doctor's offices. She delighted in collecting dolls, and her handmade Christmas cards were treasures that family and friends looked forward to each year. Above all, Jean adored children, and her grandchildren held the most special place in her heart. She was an avid reader and movie lover, maintaining an impressive personal DVD library of hundreds of titles. Her favorite band was The Monkees (her crush on Davy Jones was always noted), and Dirty Dancing held a permanent place in her heart. It played constantly in the background, wearing out the original VHS copy, and while it may have tested the patience of her family more than once, it will always be fondly remembered as one of her most beloved films.

Friends will be received from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, where a service celebrating Jean's life will follow at 1:00 p.m. Committal and interment will be held later at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. Personal messages for the family may be left here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.