Ruth Allegra Porter Nielsen Hagans

Ruth Allegra Porter Nielsen Hagans, 90, of South Haven died Tuesday, January 5 at home.

She as born June 22, 1919 in South Haven, Michigan to Alonzo and Nellie (Werner) Porter. Allegra, one of five children, has lived in South Haven all her life. She was known as a soloist in her younger years and played piano for her children’s trio, quartet, and quintet during her single parent years. She worked in Medical records and retired from South Haven Community Hospital Allegra was a member of the First Methodist Church in South Haven.

Her first husband, Claude E. Nielsen, preceded her in death June 25, 1955. She married Rev. John O. Hagans in 1965, who preceded her in death March 23, 1987. She was also preceded in death by her parents Alonzo and Nelle Porter in 1957, her sister Wilma Griffin, two brothers, Dwight Porter and Clyde Porter, and one granddaughter – Lisa Champlin.

She is survived by her sister Alberta Yinger Brant (103 years old) of Des Moines, Iowa, five children Mrs. Terril (Claudia) Steichen of Fairfax, VA, Mrs. J. Douglas (Aline Rae) Perry of Colorado Springs, Mrs. Norman (Dawn) Marks of Coldwater, MI, Faye Wiacek of South Haven, MI and Glen (Linda) Nielsen of Reston, VA. She is also survived by four step-children Nancy Robbins, Margaret (Bill) Torp, Rev. Gerald (Susan) Hagans, and James (Melinda) Hagans, as well as ten grandchildren, ten step-grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and many step-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Saturday, January 9 at 11:00 A.M. at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home with Rev. Harold F. Filbrandt officiating. Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to South Haven's Hospice at Home. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.