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November 28, 1937 – August 28, 2024

Sherry Elaine Hartsell Hilden, 86, of Dowagiac, died peacefully Wednesday, August 28, 2024.

Her life began November 28, 1937 in Geneso, Illinois, the oldest of six children born to M. C. “Barney” and Wilma Barnett. She first married Thomas L. Hartsell in September, 1954 with whom she had four children. She later married Afton W. “Bud” Hilden November 12, 1977 in Cassopolis. After thirty years of marriage, he preceded her in death.

Sherry never met a stranger. Her nurses called her a “feisty little woman” and “Houdini.” Her birds, her flowers, and working in the dirt is what she loved the most. Time spent with the grandkids and great grandchildren was what she was all about and she rarely ever missed an event they were involved in filling many photo albums with their activities. She served as a cub scout den mother. Sherry was active in the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) as their historian for many years. She was also involved with the Cass Historical Society and followed her mother’s genealogy tracing their family back to the 1600’s.

She has passed her passion for family genealogy to her granddaughter, Barbie.

Sherry was an active member in Cassopolis United Methodist Church for eighty-one years, still sitting in the pew where she sat with her father, as well as singing in the choir.

Sherry will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by one daughter, Charmin (Daniel) Ruth of Cassopolis; two sons, Thomas Hartsell, Jr. of Cassopolis, Timothy (Tina) Hartsell of Cassopolis; six grandchildren, Eric (Victoria Toney) Ruth of Cassopolis, Barbie (Frank) Starr of Niles, Cassie (Ralph) Conrod of Sturgis, Scott (Megan) Hartsell of Woodburn, Indiana, Emily Hartsell of Mississippi, Jeremiah (MacKenzie) Hartsell of Elkhart; eleven great grandchildren, Adam Starr, Ellie Starr, Maddie Yuhas, Allie Conrod, Kylie Conrod, Paisley Conrod, twins, Tyler Conrod and Lane Conrod, Easton Ruth, Owen Ruth, Jolene Hartsell, and one more on the way; one sister, Janice (David) Evans of South Bend; three brothers, Royce (Lynda) Barnett, Norton (Barb) Barnett, both of California, Bradley (Janet) Barnett of Vandalia; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Scott Hartsell; her granddaughter, Katie Lynn Ruth; and one sister, Judy Adam.

Family and friends will gather Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. for a graveside service in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Cassopolis where Sherry will be laid to rest beside her parents and beloved husband.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Sherry be made to Cassopolis United Methodist Church, 209 South Rowland Street, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031, or Caring Circle Hospice, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085, or Cass County Library, 317 M-62, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.