Ernestine Violet Hardesty

Ernestine V. Hardesty, age 94, longtime resident of Salem Township, passed away on November 13, 2023. She was born on August 11, 1929 in Flint, Michigan, daughter of Perley and Lucy (Jewett) Jones. She graduated from Flushing High School in Flushing, Michigan; class of 1947. Ernestine was united in marriage to Glenn W. Hardesty on October 17, 1948; they spent 60 years devoted to one another until his death on April 30, 2009.

Ernestine worked as a beautician at a salon in South Lyon for many years. She also worked independently doing hair in people’s homes as well as for local funeral homes. Ernestine was very proud of the work she did rolling and setting hair; she continued working until 2013.

Ernestine attended Salem Bible Church for many years. She enjoyed bowling and throughout the years bowled in several leagues in South Lyon and Plymouth. Ernestine crocheted beautiful afghans and doilies as well as knitted wash rags that she gave as gifts to family and friends. She loved to play the piano and organ and wrote hymns to be sung at church. Ernestine sang in the tabernacle choir at Church of the Nazarene and traveled with them to Russia to sing and do missionary work. She liked to can vegetables and fruit from the large garden her parents grew. Ernestine’s most cherished memories came from the weekend trips to their cabin on Sage Lake in West Branch where they spent their days fishing and enjoying time as a family. She liked to travel to visit her children who lived out of state, often alternating between them year after year. Ernestine is a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend; she will be missed by all who loved her.

Ernestine is survived by her son Mark (Denise) Hardesty; son-in-law Harold Critcher; 11 grandchildren; many great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, her son Michael Hardesty, her daughter Sharon Critcher, her parents, 2 brothers, and 5 sisters.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 16, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held Friday, November 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to American Cancer Society , 2000 Town Center, Southfield, MI 48076.