Esther Ellen (Rowe) Harmon, 87 of Traverse City passed away October 11, 2024. She was born on July 17, 1937 to Cyril and Mary (Ellis) Rowe of Dana, Indiana. She was the third of five children: Ronald (Linda) Rowe, Miriam (Bud) Hollingsworth, Esther, Phyllis Rowe and Herbert (Janice) Rowe, growing up on the family farm near Ridge Farm, Illinois. After graduating from Frankfort Pilgrim High School, she married the love of her life, B.J. Harmon in 1955, in Frankfort, Indiana. Together they attended Purdue University. For 10 years, she worked for Sears and Roebuck as a credit billing clerk before continuing her education at Eastern Michigan University where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Master's degree in Reading and Science Education. For twenty-seven years, she taught second grade at Raisinville Elementary School in Monroe, Michigan. Esther was a beloved teacher and an accomplished tailor, quilter and knitter. After relocating to Traverse City, she enjoyed the Quilting Divas of Traverse City, taught many quilting classes, and was the owner of Northern Needles. In addition, she belonged to AAUW and the Lost Art Knitting Guild. At Central United Methodist Church of Traverse City, she served as the Kitchen Coordinator for ten years.
She is survived by her husband of 69 years, B.J. Harmon PhD; their two children Osa Gay (Kevin) McMahon and Rev. Scott A (Bronwen) Harmon; four grandchildren Kellie (Paul) Amodeo, Carrie (Nick) Mamalis, Aiden Harmon, McKenzie (Brady) Buher; and four great grandchildren Caitlin and Erin Amodeo and Chloe and Charlotte Mamalis.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings.
The memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 3 pm with visitation beginning one hour prior at Central United Methodist Church.
Memorial contributions in her honor may be directed to the church.