Mary Carol Hanes

Mary Carol Hanes, 70, of Benton Harbor, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at Florida Hospital North Pinellas in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Mary Carol was born on August 5, 1944 in Coldwater, MI to Glen and Mary (Shields) Rierson.  She graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1962.  She married Jerry Hanes on December 17, 1966 in Benton Harbor, MI.  Mary Carol worked for Auto Specialties before her daughters were born and then became an amazing stay-at-home mom.  She had many names in her life.  She was called MC by Jerry and many friends, “Weeb” by her sisters and nieces, and best of all, Mom by her daughters.  She loved living on the lake, watching the sunsets and taking boat rides….the water always provided a sense of peace for her.  Family was most important, and she especially loved spending time with her four grandchildren.  MC enjoyed traveling with her husband on both short trips and long road trips across the country, camping and sightseeing along the way.   She enjoyed being with Jerry (the love of her life) and entertaining family and friends at the beach house and in Florida.  MC had such a beautiful smile and everyone who knew her loved her.  Volunteering was an important part of her life as well.  She volunteered for the Women’s Safe Shelter in Benton Harbor in years past and most recently at the Florida Hospital in Tarpon Springs.  She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, counted cross stitch, crossword puzzles, and playing Chinese checkers or dominoes with her grandkids and friends. Mary Carol is survived by her husband Jerry; daughters Lesli Erickson of San Diego, Stacie (John) Koch of St. Joseph; four grandchildren Danielle and Hanna Erickson and Justin and Nathan Koch; two sisters, Gwen (Cooper) Jackson of Branch, MI, and Connie (David) Gorz of Roswell, GA. She was preceded in death by both of her parents. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:00 P.M., Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  Friends may visit from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. prior to the service.  Memorials may be made to the Scottdale United Methodist Church or the Women’s Safe Shelter.  Those wishing to share a memory of Mary Carol online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com