Elda Ann Harden

Elda Ann (Utley) Harden, age 81, passed away on Friday, September 8, 2017 in Mears.  She was born August 19, 1936 in Greenville, MS to Elton and DeEtte (Apperson) Utley.

She had two brothers, Robert Utley of Princeton, IN and Donald Utley of Spring, TX and one sister, Judith Lee Stewart of Albuquerque, NM, all of whom preceded her in death along with her daughter, Joy Ann Persenaire.

She graduated from Princeton High School in 1954 and Purdue University in 1957 with a degree in Home Economics Education.  She married Elvin Harden on September 8, 1957 in Princeton.  They were married sixty years.

She is survived by her husband, Rev. Elvin; her children, Mark (Deborah) Harden of Rothbury, MI and Gaye (Tim) Hoezee of Grand Rapids; son-in-law, Chuck and new daughter-in-law, Misty Persenaire of Mears; grandchildren, Michael (Megan) Persenaire of Whitinsville, MA, Laura (Kyle) Metdepennigen of Brooklyn, MI, Bethany Henion, Tom Henion, Reagan Hoezee, Miles Hoezee and Gunnar Hoezee, all of Grand Rapids, Billy (Kay) Cornett, Robert Cornett and Marshall (Erin) Cornett; and great-grandchildren, Billy, Mya, Michelle and Chloe Cornett all of Mt. Pleasant.

Elda Ann delighted in being a Pastor's wife, mother and grandmother.  She was a gifted Bible teacher and often rehearsed the leadership of God in her life by saying, "Jesus led my all the way."

Visitation is Monday, September 11th, 9 to 11 am, with the funeral to follow at 11 am, all at First Baptist Church in Hart, MI.  Please consider Oceana Christian School, 3258 N. 72nd Avenue, Hart, MI  49420 as a memorial.  Condolences may be left at harrisfhcares.com.

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