Emma Dorothy (Harsh) Ingram

Emma D. Ingram, 100, passed peacefully into the arms of her beloved Savior, Jesus Christ on March 6, 2021 with family beside her in the home she shared with her daughter-in-law Gloria and grandson, Joey.  Born November 9, 1920 in Tecumseh, MI to Walter and Orah (Fogelsong) Harsh and 3 older brothers, Blynn, Dale, and Arthur, who have all preceded her in death. Emma had six sons—John “Doug” (Sharon) Hines of Wauksha, WI, Raymond (Kathy) Hines of Grove City, OH, Frederick “dale” (Sally) Hines of Swanton, OH, Thomas (preceded her in death) (Gloria—cherished caretaker) Hines of Swanton, OH, Phillip (Beth) of Dundee, MI, Samuel (Stephanie) Pettigrew of Lima, OH. Emma was preceded in death by Benjamin Pettigrew, George Ingram, John Hines, and Thomas Hines.

Emma lived a consistent life of simplicity and faith that was inspired by her father and grandfather, both War Veterans. A favorite childhood memory was her grandfather’s reading the Bible to her every night in his big chair and walking with her to church. Emma grew up in a hard-working family.  She worked in the field earning 5 cents a week, made clothes from feed sacks. Her family ate together and she attended a one-room schoolhouse.  She especially looked forward to her brothers coming home on Sunday nights to have homemade ice cream.

Emma learned from her Bible that she needed to confess her sins and accept the gift of salvation that only comes through Jesus Christ (I John 1:9). Although God was always faithful throughout her century-long life, she did not get to fulfill her dream of becoming a missionary nurse. God had other plans for her. He gave her six sons whom she sought to nurture in the likeness of her beloved father and grandfather who exemplified the Lord.  God has blessed her with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great, great-grandchildren!

Her passion for serving was realized through the Salvation Army where she met George Ingram, who became her beloved husband.  They enjoyed 18 wonderful years together—ringing the bells, camping, fishing, canning, and gardening. Emma looked forward to the annual “Emma’s Boys” family reunion.  Her face lit up when her boys were all around her and telling stories with much laughter. She loved the Lord, family, and all of God’s creation, especially birds, deer, and of course her many cats and dogs.

Emma lived a life of love and laughter. Oh how she loved to laugh—and her laughter was contagious! Even at her doctor’ appointments she would entertain the staff with her quick wit. As Emma continued to lose weight during her battlewith cancer, she was being weighed recently at the doctor’s office. Emma asked the nurse if she was down to bikini weight yet! As the nurse gave her a gown, she quipped, “Where’s the rest of it?!”

Those who had the privilege of knowing Emma, know that she never apologized for her faith in God or the importance of reading the Bible and living in such a way to bring glory to her Savior. And, she always paid God first before paying her bills. She lived an exemplary life before God and man. Well done, thou good and faithful servant!!

Friends and family may gather for a limited visitation (masks must be worn, 30 guests in the funeral home at a time, and social distancing will be observed inside facilities; please limit visiting to 10 min. or less so others may come in to pay their respects) on SWednesday, March 10, 2021 after 11 AM followed by  a Celebration of Life Service at 12:00 PM at Castillo Funeral Home, 1757 Tremainsville Road.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Emma Dorothy (Harsh) Ingram, please visit our floral store.