Ebba Evelyn Longacre

Ebba Evelyn Longacre, 99, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, August 12, 2012 with her loving family by her side. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 15 where friends may visit from 5 pm to 8 pm at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Saron Lutheran Church, 510 Main St., St. Joseph, on Thursday at 1 pm, August 16 officiated by Rev. Joan Oleson . A burial will be held afterwards at Crystal Springs Cemetery. The family is requesting that memorial contributions be made to Saron Lutheran Church. Those wishing to sign the Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ebba was born on January 18, 1913 in Elkhart, Indiana to Emil and Mary (Mathilda) Erickson. She later went on to marry Dale Longacre. Ebba worked at NBD Bank for over 15 years as a clerk. A passion of hers was helping others, she was a volunteer at the Soup Kitchen and at Lakeland Hospital. Not only was she a very dedicated member to her church but she was also on the alter guild, involved in the choir and circle as well as being the oldest member of Saron Lutheran Church. Survivors include daughter Shirley (Loren) Vachon of Delaware, Ohio; daughter Marlene (Richard) Schalon of St. Joseph, MI; daughter Sandi (Michael) Hettig of Benton Harbor, MI; son Dale (Kay) Longacre of Galien, MI; daughter Diane Ruth of Benton Harbor, MI; son Roger (Carolyn) Longacre of Benton Harbor, MI; daughter Laura (Rod) Mayes of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 15 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by husband Dale Longacre; son David (Sharon) Longacre; daughter Joann McGrath; and 8 brothers & sisters.