Harriett Gauthier

Harriett E. Gauthier, age 95, of Cedar passed away peacefully, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 at her daughter’s home in Kalkaska. She was born April 8, 1921 in Lake Ann to Lloyd and Athalinda (Fewins) Bates. Harriett graduated from Honor High School in 1938 and went on to Frankfort County Normal to get her teaching certificate. She then spent a summer at Ferris State College before returning to Benzie County where she taught in a one room school house. She taught at both, Amidon and Bendon Schools for six years before she took on the role of wife and mother. She married the late Walter Gauthier on August 12, 1944 at her parent’s home. Together they raised 4 children. After the children were grown, Harriett went to work for Burwood’s and she retired from there, after 17 years, in 1983.

In her spare time, Harriett loved to read, especially poetry. She also enjoyed attending the monthly birthday club.

Harriett will be greatly missed by her children: Betty (Norman) Smith of Long Lake, Nancy (Vern) Ringle of Kalkaska, and Larry Gauthier of Green Bay, WI; daughter-in-law: Juanita Gauthier, 6 grandchildren: David (Carrie) Smith, Chris (Amy) Smith, Lisa Bluew, Jason Gauthier, Debbie (Jeremy) Knack, and Michael Gauthier; 6 great grandchildren: Ella, Rena, Silas, Trevor, Logan, and one on the way; sister: Jean Skipski, Sister-in-law: Iva Bates, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Harriett was preceded in death by her husband, Walter, son, Lloyd, 6 siblings: Fred (Winnie) Bates, Doug (Luella) Bates, Richard (Thelma) Bates, Murray Bates, Gerald Bates, James (Ruth) Bates, brother-in-law Joe Skipski, sisters-in-law Elsie (Jim) Good and Marie Holland.

A visitation will be held Thursday, October 6, 2016 from 4-8 p.m. at Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City. A funeral will take place Friday, Oct. 7, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Long Lake Church, with visitation one hour prior. Harriett will be laid to rest next to her husband, Walter, at Solon Twp. Cemetery immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions in Harriett’s memory may be directed to Long Lake Church, Cedar Fire Dept., or to the charity of donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Harriett at www.covellfuenralhomes.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Traverse City.