Ellen Harter

Benton Harbor, MI – Ellen F. Harter, 90 of Benton Harbor, MI, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, March 6, 2010. A Celebration of Her Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at Starks and Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI . Burial will follow at Ruggles Cemetery in Baroda. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March10, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or In-House Hospice. Ellen was born on March 4, 1920 in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas to William and Judy (Harmon) Casey. Though Ellen had no biological children, she raised her niece, Denise, as one of her own. Denise was her primary caregiver over the past 15 years. Ellen loved quilting and taking care of her vegetable garden. She also loved good food and was a wonderful cook. Ellen is survived by her niece, Denise (Chuck) Smith of Benton Harbor, MI, a brother, Lehman Casey and a sister, Laverne Hayes. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin John Harter, her parents, her sister, Margie Bush and two brothers, Arlie and Walker Casey. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com .