Esther V. Harrison, 99, Gladstone

[Stan]

GLADSTONE - Esther V. Harrison, 99, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 23, 2012, at her granddaughter's assisted living home, Sunny Shores, in Gladstone where she was able to enjoy her last years surrounded by family, friends, and a caring staff. She was born on April 30, 1912, in Chicago, Ill. and was the daughter of Nels and Margaret (Stoneclift) Thompson.

On Sept. 11, 1933, the former Esther V. Thompson married George E. Harrison in Escanaba.

She was the eldest member of the Escanaba Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Esther enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, animals, picnics, and especially loved going to camp with her children and grandchildren. She was a caregiver in her home for many people until the age of 87.

Esther is survived by her daughter, Marcie (Frank) Ibarra of Escanaba; son, John "Jack" (Sherry) Harrison of Cornell; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Nels and Margaret Thompson; husband, George; son, David; brother, Art; and infant sister, Edith.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 26, 2012, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Esther V. Harrison will follow at 4 p.m. in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Jacob Gibbs officiating.

Burial will take place in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery.

The family wishes to send a special "Thank You" to the OSF Home Health and Hospice caregivers. Expressions of sympathy and online condolences in Esther's honor may be directed to the Harrison family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.