Ethel L. Carson

Ethel L. Carson, age 96, formerly of Howard City, MI, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Mason Country Care Assisted Living. Mrs. Carson was born September 10, 1926 in Blanchard, MI, the daughter of Forrest and Blanche (Houghton) Oberlin. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Howard City. Ethel was a loving wife to her husband Harvey for 45 years and together they had 5 children. They were also partners in business, co-founding HarvCo Products, a Christmas tree pruning knife manufacturing business. Ethel was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She liked to sing and was a member of her church choir. She was an artist, painting both on canvas and on ceramic. She was fun and had an amazing sense of humor. Ethel formed lifelong friendships. She was a good neighbor and she was privileged to have good neighbors and a caring church family. Ethel liked to travel, especially with her sister Donna. Their adventures took them to Hawaii, Florida, out West, and more. She enjoyed gardening and flowers. She really appreciated the enormous bouquets that her son-in-law, Bob, sent to her on special occasions. Most of all, Ethel loved the Lord. Her greatest comfort was her salvation. She was unwavering in her faith. Her fervent prayer was that her family and friends know Christ’s love for them. Surviving are her children; Sandra Burba, Rick (Cheryle) Carson, Kevin (Naomi) Carson, and son-in-law, Robert Barber. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nephew and several nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey in 1989; children, Randy Carson in 2005, Pamela Barber in 2013; daughter-in-law, Jo Ann Carson in 2016; beloved sister, Donna Patten in 2022; many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Thursday, September 22 from 6-8 pm at First Baptist Church, 304 Shaw St, Howard City, where the funeral service will be held Friday at 11:00 am. Pastor Brian Cederquist officiating. Private interment will be at Pierson Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association, American Cancer Society or First Baptist Church in Howard City. Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.