Jayne Marie Harris


Jayne Marie Harris of Eaton Rapids, passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2024, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Jayne was born in Lansing, Michigan on November 7, 1929, to Gilbert and Carlotta Putman. She grew up on the family farm in Williamston, Michigan until she went to Michigan State University in 1947. Jayne married John “Jack” Harris, from Eaton Rapids, in 1950 and then went on to graduate from college in 1951 with a degree in English. She taught 1st grade for several years before leaving teaching to work at the family business, Harris Oil Co. Jayne always joked that she worked there for 40 years and never pumped a gallon of gas. She was an avid bridge player, played golf and was an accomplished piano player. Jayne will be remembered fondly for her love of dancing at parties with Jack at Duck Lake Country Club. No one loved a good party more than Jayne.

Jayne is survived by her daughter, Debra (Fred) Wager; grandchildren, John Bresky, Adam (Nichole) Bresky, Samantha (Jeff) Ellsworth and Amanda Reeve; nine great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Jack Harris; her later in life companion, Robert “Butch” Goodall; parents, Gilbert and Carlotta; siblings, Grant Putman and Joyce Cornell.

Jayne’s family would like to thank The Care Team Hospice and Island City Assisted Living for the excellent later-in-life care they provided her.

There will be a Graveside Service on her birthday, Thursday, November 7 at 2:00 p.m. at Rosehill Cemetery where she will be buried with her late husband, Jack. Friends and family are invited to Fred and Debra’s home at 219 Holmes St, Eaton Rapids immediately following the graveside service for a cocktail party, just what Jayne would have wanted. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eaton Rapids Medical Center Foundation in loving memory of Jayne Marie Harris. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.