Eunice Harding, 102

Eunice Preston Harding, 102, passed peacefully at her home in Three Rivers Friday, September 19, 2014. Eunice was born August 15, 1912 at the home of her grandparents, Cynthia Jane (Hartman) and William James Doty in Constantine, Michigan. She was the daughter of Ivah Jane (Doty) and Fred (Carr) Preston. She is preceded in death by her husband, Otto R. Harding, and brothers, Max Preston and Jack Preston.

Eunice graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1931. Her elopement with Otto Harding in 1934 was a closely guarded secret as she worked as a telephone operator who could not be married as a condition for employment. The Harding’s resided in Detroit for 18 years where Eunice served as the first woman in the Photographic Department at General Motors. They returned to Three Rivers in 1955 where for 10 years they owned and operated the Dairy Queen and Parkside Drive-In on East Michigan Avenue.

Eunice worked in the financial office of Three Rivers High School before retiring to travel and garden. She remained a member of Michigan retired School Personnel, and was a life member of the Club of Little Gardens in recognition of 25 years of service. Eunice was a member of St John’s Lutheran Church, serving as the first woman on Church Council and as president of the local Lutheran Church Women. She was an avid bridge player as well as active in several organizations, including the Business and Professional Women, Hospital Auxiliary, Girl Scouts, and Barrows PTA.

She is survived by two daughters, Jane Brooks of Three Rivers and Carol Harding of Lake Bluff, Illinois; sons-in-law, James Brooks and Walter Jackson; and six grandchildren, Stephanie Brooks of Evanston, Illinois; Brian Brooks (Jodi Rector-Brooks) of Howell, Michigan; Brandi Clark (Jeff Clark) of Clearwater, Florida; Kate Harding-Jackson (James Sullivan) of Evanston; Dr. Nicholas Max Harding-Jackson of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Alexandra Harding-Jackson of Lake Bluff. Great-grandchildren include: Zachary Norton of Evanston and Jarrid, Nolan, Zoey, and Gavin Rector-Brooks of Howell.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 26, 5:00-8:00 PM at Hohner Funeral Home in Three Rivers. Services will be held 10:30 AM Saturday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 56050 Buckhorn Road, Three Rivers.

Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Three Rivers.

Memorial contributions in honor of Eunice’s lifelong interest in nature, wildlife, and animal rescue include: the Coon Hollow Preserve, Three Rivers/Fabius Township Trail, and ARF. Envelopes available at Hohner Funeral Home in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hohnerfh.com.