Marilyn Jeanne Harter

Marilyn was born in Alma, Michigan on December 23, 1941 to parents Helen Fosenkemper and LaVern Frost of Crystal, Michigan.  She grew up in Crystal and attended school there through the Eleventh grade.  She transferred to Carson City High School for her senior year.  Upon graduation, she attended Central Michigan University for two years and then transferred to Michigan State University.  She graduated with a degree in Home Economics teaching. 

In December 1964, she married Clifford Harter while he was in the military and spent two years living in Germany.  On rotation back to the United States, they lived in Lansing, Michigan and she worked at Michigan State University and substitute taught at several of the Lansing schools.  When Clifford went back to Ferris, she taught fourth grade at Morely Stanwood school.  Her oldest daughter was born in Big Rapids in 1968, and when Clifford graduated in 1969, they moved to Jackson, Michigan.  Her second daughter was born in Jackson in 1970.  When the kids started school, she took a job with Northwest schools and worked in the reading improvement program until she retired in 2000. 

Marilyn enjoyed sewing, gardening, art, travel and camping, as well as many other activities.  In 2018, she was diagnosed with vascular dementia.  She fought that for several years until July of 2024, when she was admitted to the Jackson Medical Care Facility in the Memory care unit where she passed away on January 4, 2025 with her husband by her side. The day after Christmas, Marilyn tested positive for Covid and was in the quarantine unit at the time of her passing. 

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 60 years, two daughters, Kim and Tracey, four grandchildren; Kendra Reasoner, Zackery Reasoner, Kaylei Huey, Taryn Huey and one great-grandson, Kain. 

A Celebration of her Life will be held on May 17, 2025 at American Legion Richard A Smith Post #29 on Lansing Avenue just south of Parnall Road.  Entrance and parking will be in the front of the building, through the front door, memorial will be the second door on the left.  The event will run from 1:00pm until 4:00pm with casual dress attire.  Light lunch will be available. 

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