WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Mildred Ida (Saddison) Pearson, age 96, died peacefully early Thursday morning on May 6, 2021 in Kalamazoo.
Millie, as she was known to friends and family, was born to Charles and Thelma May (Harding) Saddison on September 13, 1924 in Sturgis.
On May 13, 1942 she married Axel Clyde Pearson in Goshen. They were married for 47 years and raised three children. They resided on their farm in Constantine, Michigan.
In addition to working on the farm, Millie worked for many years at Weyerhaeuser, and then Continental Can. On the side, she made and sold wedding cakes and ran a furniture reupholstery business out of her home.
As well as being a hard worker, Millie was a very creative person. She especially loved gardening, sewing, cooking, and crocheting. She delighted in her farm and its park-like setting. Even recently, you would often find her on her John Deere tending to something.
Millie was a member of St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church since 1943. She was involved in Ladies Aid and made close friends through church. She was also a 4H leader for many years. Millie and her husband were members of “Yapper’s” Camping Club. One of their favorite caravan adventures was a tour of the Western States and Mexico.
You never left Millie’s house hungry and her cookie jar was always full. She hosted wonderful holiday dinners where everyone was welcome.
Millie is survived by her children, Helene Bartow of Constantine, Juliana (Rex Jr.) Whitecotton of Lafayette, TN, Alan Pearson of Marcellus, her brother Robert Saddison of Englewood, FL, and her sister-in-law Roberta Saddison of Sturgis. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Joseph, Diana, Barbara, Susan, Roxanne, Rex III, Lesley, Esther, 17 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and multiple nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Axel Clyde Pearson of Constantine, and by her brothers, Vern Saddison of Sturgis, Raymond Saddison of Harbor Springs, MI, Elmar Saddison of Tomahawk, WI, and Carl Saddison of Phoenix.
Millie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 14, 2021 at noon at St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1200 Arnold St., Three Rivers. Funeral services will follow at 1 o’clock at the church with Pastor Ron Moritz officiating. Interment will be at Constantine Township Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Millie’s life. Flowers and condolences may be sent to Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers, MI 49093.
