Helen Jannette Harper, 93, of White Cloud, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Jannette was born November 26, 1932, in Newaygo County, the youngest daughter of Fred and Martha (Douglass) Bitson. On November 24, 1956, she married Harry W. Harper and together they were blessed with 7 children and 25 years of marriage until his death in 1982. Jannette was a busy homemaker while raising her children on her family farm, where she spent an adventurous, active youth. During her child rearing years, she was involved in her children’s many school and church activities. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron for several years. After her husband’s death, Jannette briefly owned a sewing and craft goods shop and then was employed at Rosenburg True Value Hardware in White Cloud, where she worked for over two decades and made several dear friends. Jannette enjoyed sewing, knitting, music, dancing, bird watching, and flower gardening. She also was involved in local government as an elected official in Everett Township. She was a welcoming, resilient, strong-willed, kind-hearted woman who enjoyed time spent with her children, grands and greats, friends, and a large extended family, whether visiting at the farm, at family reunions and parties, or with family who made deer season a happy, fun holiday. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

Jannette is survived by her children, Harold (Rachael) Harper and Kristina (Thomas) Jordan; Grandchildren, Jonathan (Taylor) Harper, Melissa Harper, Erin Harper, Maria (Tom) Doherty, Laurel (Zack) Conrad, Genevieve (Jake) Hollemans, Cassandra (Sean) James, and Zachary Machiele; daughter-in-law, Peggy Harper; son-in-law, Randy Machiele; grandchild-in-law Heather Harper; several great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Leonard (Nancy) Harper; former daughters-in-law, Jodi Stark and April Wightman; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jannette was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; sons, Hugh, Eric, and Neil Harper; daughters, Helen Ammer and Rebecca Machiele; parents; brother, F Douglass Bitson; sister, Janice Teeters; grandson, Nathaniel Harper; and son-in-law Bruce Ammer.

Cremation will take place and a graveside service will be held at Big Prairie-Everett Cemetery at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 15, 2026. A Celebration of her Life will follow at the family Homestead.