WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Dorothy Jean Harker, age 86, Sturgis, passed away Tuesday morning, May 29, 2012, at her home.
She was born July 5, 1925, in Cass County, a daughter of the late Leon and Cora Alverda (Barnell) Westphall.
Dorothy had resided most of her life in Sturgis. On Dec. 27, 1945, she married Howard Harker at Sturgis Church of the Nazarene. He died April 23, 2012.
She retired from Kirsch Company in Sturgis following more than 20 years of dedicated employment.
Dorothy was a longtime, active, dedicated member of Sturgis Missionary Church and also was a member of Super 60s.
She enjoyed traveling, especially her and Howard’s trip to Hawaii, crafts and ceramics. Dorothy was happiest when she was cooking, baking and taking care of her family. She loved time spent with all of her family, especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by a daughter, Darlene (John) Tate of Sturgis; a son, Brent Harker of Sturgis; 11 grandchildren, Tammy (Jason) Cain, Terra (Paul) Draper, Kelly Gilbert, Travis Harker, Tony Harker, Kara Harker, Cameron Harker, McKenna Harker, Tim (Sally) Harker, Bob (Valerie) Harker and David (Mandy) Harker; 15 great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Jane (Wayne) Strayer of Howe, Ind.; a brother-in-law, Junior “Claude” Hawkins of Constantine; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis.
Funeral services celebrating the life of Dorothy Jean Harker will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Sturgis Missionary Church 67087 N. M-66 in Sturgis. Tim Harker, grandson of Mrs. Harker and the Rev. Robert Renner will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Harker’s memory consider Sturgis Missionary Church, 67087 N. M-66, Sturgis, MI 49091.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
