Elizabeth M. (Betty) Harmon, age 93 of Plum City, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 21, 2015 at the Chippewa Valley Hospital in Durand surrounded by her loving family. 

Betty was the first child born to James and Harriet (Murry) Miles on August 11, 1922 in Flowerfield, MI.  She grew up in the village of Arkansaw and graduated from Arkansaw High School as valedictorian of the class of 1939.  She enjoyed playing cornet in the band, cheerleading, playing piano, dancing and roller skating.  She attended River Falls State Teacher’s College.

On December 26, 1940 she married Cecil Harmon at the rectory of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Arkansaw.  They farmed, owned and operated a milk route, Arkansaw Feed Mill and Harmon’s Bar in Arkansaw.  In 1954, they moved to a farm in the Grange Hall area.  In 1969, they bought Hartung Auto in Arkansaw.  In 1977, they moved the business, now Harmon Implement, to a new building on Hwy 10 in Grange Hall.  Betty and Cecil sold the implement business and their home in Grange Hall in 1984.  They built their retirement home in Plum City, living there the remaining years of their 70 year marriage.  Together they rejoiced in hosting Christmas Eve all their married life.  Betty was thankful to enjoy her home in this little village with a big heart, for 31 years. 

Becoming a skilled seamstress early in life, she made her dress, coat and hat for her graduation from 8^th Grade.  She enjoyed sewing for her children and grandchildren making everything from pajamas to prom dresses and doll clothes to Halloween costumes. Betty sewed custom window treatments professionally for many years.   She was always available to anyone who needed helpful assistance.  Some favorite hobbies were bowling, snowmobiling, needlework,   scrapbooking, reading, playing cards, and doing word puzzles.  She traveled throughout the United States, and enjoyed visiting Canada, South America, the Canary Islands, Morocco, England, Scotland and Wales.  But most of all she enjoyed being with her family.

Betty is survived by five children; daughters Judi (Jack) Scholz of Plum City,  Marsha (David) Schlosser of Durand, Linda (Cal) Schladweiler of Centuria, Nancy (Jim) Helmueller of Pardeeville, and son, Lonnie Harmon of Plum City, son-in-law John Wiskerchen, Edmonds, WA, 18 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, 4 step great-grandchildren, 2 great- great-grandchildren, 1 step great- great-grandchild, brother Jim Miles of Arkansaw, sister Audrey Radle of Huntington Beach, CA and  sisters-in-law Dianne (Bob) Marier of Cottage Grove, MN, Judy Harmon, Sebring, FL, Barb Harmon, Maiden Rock, WI and Nell Harmon, Simi Valley, CA.  Other surviving loved ones include many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Cecil, daughter Jacquelyn Wiskerchen, grandson Bart Schlosser and a brother, Keith Miles.

She taught us the meaning of “family” and we felt her love.  We will miss her.

Visitation will be Monday, December 28, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Rhiel’s Funeral Home in Durand with a prayer service by Rev. Dan Richardson at 7:00 PM. 

A private burial service will be held at the Arkansaw Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

Condolences

1. Steve & Linda Price December 29, 2015, at 12:59pm

   Judi and Linda - Our heartfelt sympathies in the loss of your mother. Judi I remember how close you were to your mother and how you always had sewing projects for her. I was surprised to read you were now residing in Plum City. Hope to run into you someday.

2. Bill & Kathy Piper December 28, 2015, at 2:46pm

   Nancy, we are so sorry to learn of the passing of your mother. What a wonderful life she must have had. Now we know where you get all your talent! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

3. John Gerrish December 28, 2015, at 1:23pm

   Judi, Marsha, Linda, Nancy and Lonnie, Sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was always so good to me in the years we lived next door in the Grange Hall area.
   Our thoughts and prayers to the family, she will be missed.
   John and Julie Gerrish

4. Barb Meier December 28, 2015, at 12:38pm

   Our deepest sympathy to the family of Betty Harmon.
   Aunt Betty was a very caring and thoughtful lady. She will be missed.You are all in our thoughts and prayers today. Love, Barb and Allen

5. Rich and Genny Range December 26, 2015, at 7:43am

   Our thoughts and prayers are with you Judi, Jack and your family in the difficult days ahead. From reading her obituary I can see you are a lot like her Judi, creative and involved with many interests and very family oriented.Our sympathy in your loss of your mom.

6. John and Marilyn Geissler December 25, 2015, at 11:21am

   Our Hearts go out to you. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. She will be missed.

   John Marilyn and Shane

7. Carol LeBreck December 24, 2015, at 1:45pm

   Thinking of you...especially today given your traditional celebrations on this day. May your years of memories bring your Mom's spirit to "join your family" on this special evening.

   Love...Korbie

8. Dan and Pam donahue December 24, 2015, at 11:42am

   May each tear that falls be a gentle reminder that you and your loved one meant so much. That no loss or sorrow, time or distance can ever take that away.
   What a wonderful long life Betty had. Our hearts are sad for you.

9. Don and Eileen Makuch December 24, 2015, at 4:56am

   We are sorry to learn of the loss of a lovely woman and mother to our friend Judi. Our thoughts and prayers are with Judi and Jack and the entire Harmon family at this very difficult time.

10. Richardson Family December 23, 2015, at 6:26pm

    My family would like to send sincere condolences to the Harmon family for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and hope from the bible promise at Isaiah 25:8. Pray constantly, avoid isolation, and lean on God as you cope during this most difficult time.

11. Jane Poeschel December 23, 2015, at 5:29pm

    My deepest sympathies to you all. What a delightful lady whom I was privileged to help care for. She gave more to me than she knew. What a special heart.

12. Dixie and Ed Heit December 23, 2015, at 1:58pm

    Marsha and Dave and families, We remember Betty and Cecil as fun loving
    people.
    Our Sympathy Dixie and Ed Heit
    cybi

13. Sharon (Forster) and Kelly Karrmann December 23, 2015, at 12:27pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in your loss of your mother and grandmother. Betty was a very special loving gracious lady! She will no doubt be missed terribly!

14. Nell Harmon December 23, 2015, at 8:59am

    We are very saddened to hear of your recent loss. My family’s hearts are with you and yours during this difficult time.

15. Jim and Vicky Harmon December 23, 2015, at 8:41am

    Dear Cecil, Judi and family

    We are terribly sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. Our condolences to you and your family. Hopefully there is comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with Cecil and others that have gone before her and at home with our Lord and Savior.

16. Bob and Jane Witczak December 23, 2015, at 5:10am

    Thoughts, prayers and friendship are sent to you. Think of you often. God bless.

17. Don and Jackie Danzinger December 22, 2015, at 8:38pm

    Our thoughts and prayers to the family.

18. Duane & Judy Lund December 22, 2015, at 11:30am

    Deepest sympathy send your way with prayers

19. Betsy and Jerry Sather December 22, 2015, at 11:21am

    So sorry to hear about Grandma Betty. I always thought she was such a kind and classy lady. We are in Florida so wont be able to attend her services but know that our thoughts are with all of you in this time of loss.

20. Mike and Donna Miles December 22, 2015, at 10:40am

    Our deepest sympathy to the Harmon family. Aunt Betty was one of the kindest and most loving people I have ever known. She always treated me like I was her own, not just a nephew. Heaven is a better place now that Aunt Betty is there.

21. Ginny Berg December 22, 2015, at 7:08am

    Sending my deepest sympathy to the family of Betty. Remembering fond memories of Betty and Cecil and family growing up.

22. Kathy (Kane)Biesterveld December 22, 2015, at 6:12am

    Heartfelt sorrow for the loss of your wonderful mom. She was a gracious lady full of vitality and life. I remember the stories from my mom and dad about the lively parties they had back in the day. Sending thoughts and prayers.

23. Ruth and Jack Luebker December 22, 2015, at 6:04am

    Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother.

24. Karen Finstad December 22, 2015, at 12:28am

    Thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time!

25. Scott Watkins December 21, 2015, at 9:15pm

    Betty will be missed. Betty was always such a kind and loving person and touched many lives.

    R.I.P. Betty

26. Michelle Peterson December 21, 2015, at 8:31pm

    So very sorry for your loss

27. Penny Laun December 21, 2015, at 1:59pm

    With deepest sympathy from Plum City Care Center. Our thoughts and wishes are with family and friends. Betty will be truly missed.

28. Joy Harmon December 21, 2015, at 1:32pm

    Wanted to extend my deepest condolences to all of the family. Aunt Betty was a kind, sweet soul and will be missed. Sending love and hugs to y'all. Love, Joy and Kira

29. Paula Smith December 21, 2015, at 12:48pm

    Dave and Marsha and family so sorry for the loss of your mother and grandmother to the boys hope the memorys you have last a life time

    your in my thoughts

30. Bob and Dianne Harmon Marier December 21, 2015, at 12:29pm

    A beautiful wonderful sister-in-law but as Betty would say to me we were sisters. We will miss your hugs and kisses and sweet smile. Our love and Prayers to all the family that I love so much. Dianne

31. kathy & bob geraets December 21, 2015, at 10:53am

    sympathy to family on the lost of Betty

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