Eileen Frances Cockerill, 105, passed away peacefully January 7, 2024.  She was born in Oceana County on November 28, 1918, the daughter of Harvey and Myrtle (Beckwith) Huston.

After high school, Eileen received her teaching certificate from Western State Normal School and taught at several Muskegon County Schools.  After that she became a substitute teacher in the Montague and Whitehall Schools.  Before retiring completely, she worked at the Oherli Elementary School in Montague, helping with the reading program and worked in the lunch room.

Eileen loved gardening.  Each year she would plant and tend to numerous flower beds in her yard.  Eileen loved crossword puzzles and reading.  She also enjoyed golfing and snowmobiling in her younger years.  Eileen was a member of The United Methodist Church in Montague, where she was part of the Fidelis group. 

Eileen is survived by:  her children, Kay (Max) Pufpaff, Jack (Sharon) Cockerill, Mike (Stephenie) Cockerill, Jeff (Cindy) Cockerill, Becky (Lee) Schmiedeknecht, Joe Cockerill; grandchildren, Julie (Paul) Reising, Shae (Scott) Collins, Sheryl Sloan, Kelly (Casey) Whiting, Ryan (Stacey) Cockerill, Adam (Whitney) Schmiedeknecht, Kyle (Sarah) Schmiedeknecht, Travis Cockerill, Hailey Cockerill; 19 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Betty Nafe of Montague and Gloria Block of Massillon, Ohio.

Eileen was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Robert Cockerill; granddaughter, Jennifer (Pufpaff) Brown; siblings, Elwood Huston and Billie Faye (Huston) Bailey.

A celebration of Eileen’s life will be held at 12 pm, Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Montague United Methodist Church, 8555 Cook Street, Montague, Michigan, 49437, with Pastor Tim Dibble Officiating.  Visitation will be held from 11 am until the time of service at the Montague United Methodist Church. 

Please consider memorial donations to:  Montague United Methodist Church, 8555 Cook Street, Montague, Michigan 49437, or Harbor Hospice of Muskegon, 1050 W Western Ave, #400, Muskegon, MI 49441

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com