Obituaries

Donna Belle (Ratliff) Harju, age 88, of St. Ignace, Michigan, died at the Evergreen Living Center in St. Ignace on January 21, 2024. She was born on July 16, 1935, in Garden City, Michigan, to Robert and Evelyn Marcella (Holton) Ratliff.

Donna grew up in Garden City and graduated from Garden City High School in 1953. She attended Wayne State University where she studied nutrition before moving to St. Ignace in 1966 to marry Charles Edward Harju. They married on August 20, 1966, at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Ignace. Donna worked at the local SEARS. In 1971, she was elected St. Ignace township clerk and worked in that position until retiring 2017.

Donna was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and worked as a bookkeeper for many of the organizations her husband was a member in.

Donna was a natural caregiver and enjoyed taking care of many people.

Donna is survived by her daughter, D. Abigail Harju-LaLonde of St. Ignace; son, Wilford Charles Harju of St. Ignace; grandchildren, Rebecca LaLonde, Alicia LaLonde, Devon Harju, and Brian Harju; sisters, Lillian (Bert) Erickson, and Phyllis (Jack) Esarey; brother, Claude (Nancy) Ratliff; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, and parents, Robert, and Evelyn.

Memorial Gathering will be held on February 15, 2024, 11:00 AM, at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 999 S. State St, St. Ignace, Michigan 49781, with services at 1:00 PM.

Final Resting Place will be at the Lakeside Cemetery in St. Ignace, Michigan.

Family Life Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com.