Eleanore Harry, 98, of Casco Township, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2014 at the River Ridge Retirement Community in South Haven. She was born April 27, 1916 to Edgar and Grace (Lyman) Rice in Du Page County, Illinios. Eleanore and her family were raised in Kibbie, east of South Haven. She was South Haven’s first female cheer leader. Following her graduation from South Haven High School in 1933, Eleanore received her teaching certificate from Allegan County Normal and began teaching at the McDowell School in Casco Township. Eleanore married Lowell “Pete” Harry on June 19, 1937 at the Kibbie Community Hall. Eleanore quit teaching to raise her five children and help run the farm in Casco Township, but returned to school to receive a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. She taught at South Haven Public Schools for over twenty years until her retirement.  She was an active member of the United Methodist Church and was a member of the American Association of University Women. After retirement, Eleanore and Pete traveled all over the world including a mission trip to Haiti. She was a feminist and a liberal with a Carl Levin bumper sticker.

She is preceded in death along with her parents by her husband – Lowell “Pete” Harry who passed in 2003; siblings – Alice Gabriel, Ashley Rice, Elva Wheeler, Nina Pryatel, Janice Bennett, and Robert Rice.

Eleanore is survived by her children – Walter (Susan) Harry of South Haven, Steve (Carol) Harry of Lansing, Laura (Rich) Barden of South Haven, Deborah (Jerry) Wilson of South Haven, and Lucinda (Max) Thiele of Allegan; sister – Shirley Davis of Grand Rapids. 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren also survive.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven. A private family graveside service will be held. Eleanore will be laid to rest at McDowell Cemetery in Casco Township. Contributions may be made in Eleanore’s memory to the Casco United Methodist Church or South Haven Health System Auxiliary.