Mary Ellen Eaton, 86

Mary Ellen Eaton, age 86, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday morning, Feb. 21, 2021, at Upjohn Heritage Community in Kalamazoo.
She was born Dec. 9, 1934, in Three Rivers, a daughter of the late Jesse “Jay” and Doris (Hess) Baker.
Mary Ellen resided most her life in Sturgis and was a graduate of Three Rivers High School with the class of 1952.
On March 27, 1954, she married Harry A. Eaton in Sturgis. He preceded her in death Dec. 29, 1994.
Mary Ellen retired from Kirsch Company in Sturgis following 44 years of dedicated employment.
She attended Sturgis Wesleyan Church, now known as Radiant Life Church, in Sturgis.
She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, was an avid reader and a gifted artist. Many will miss her baking skills, especially the many varieties of cookies she would bake. She had a true love for nature and animals and was a regular donor to many charities.
She is survived by two daughters, Rebecca (Raymond) Farr III of Sturgis and Stacy (Richard) Ulery of Goshen, Ind.; a son, Kenneth (Kelli) Eaton of Portage; four grandchildren, Nicholas Davis of Sturgis, Raymond (Tisha) Farr IV of Sturgis, Kaitlynn Farr of Saginaw and Kathryn Ulery of Goshen, Ind.; four great-grandchildren, Eliza, Jade, Kaylee and Colton; exchange sons John Forrester of Germany and Koen DeRidder of New Zealand; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sisters, Betty Asbury and Avis Hackenberg; and three brothers, Kenneth Baker, William Baker and Jesse Franklin “Bus” Baker.
In accordance with family wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, at Radiant Life Church, 907 N. Nottawa St., Sturgis. A memorial service celebrating and honoring the life of Mary Ellen Eaton will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 3, at the church. Pastor Josh Herrema and Mr. John Davis of Radiant Life Church will officiate. Private burial of the ashes will take place at a later date at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Eaton’s memory consider Animal Rescue Fund, P.O. Box 593, Centreville, MI, 49032; or American Legion Post #73, 500 W. Chicago Road, Sturgis, MI 49091.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com, where relatives and friends may share memories and leave condolences for the family.