Elaine LaDonna (Felske) Garrett

Elaine LaDonna (Felske) Garrett, 90, of Midland, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, and is now in the heavenly embrace of those loved ones who have gone before her.

Elaine was born on February 19, 1935, the only child of Nellie (Hasty) and Leonard Felske of Omer, Michigan. She graduated from Arenac Eastern High School in 1952, then went to Arenac County Normal for training to be a teacher, like her mother before her. Following graduation from the County Normal in 1953, she accepted a teaching job in Ingersoll Township where she taught at the Bartlett school, a one room school with multiple grades, just around the corner from the farm of Clinton and Bernice Garrett. The Garretts had heard about the new and pretty teacher at the Bartlett school and decided to introduce Elaine to their son, Melvin, who was just recently discharged from the Army and back home working at Dow Chemical. It turned out to be a love match, and Melvin and Elaine were married on August 27, 1955, in Standish, Michigan. They enjoyed a devoted, loving partnership, celebrating 68 years of marriage shortly before Melvin’s passing on September 17, 2023. In Melvin, Elaine found a true life-long companion and partner. Melvin found the love of his life. With their first daughter’s birth, Elaine left teaching to begin raising their family. Marjorie was followed by Joyce shortly thereafter, then Ronald and finally Nancy.

Together, Melvin and Elaine built a legacy of strong family values, in a supportive, faith-based household as well as a farming enterprise known as Garrett Family Farm that continues today in its 6th generation. As the saying goes, behind every successful man there is a strong woman. Elaine was that woman, make no mistake. Organized and efficient, she helped the wheels turn in more ways than one – on the farm as well as on the home and family front.

Mothers like Elaine are a true gift. She had many talents and enjoyed many past-times. Elaine’s family will especially always remember her love of making cookies – lots and lots of cookies, all kinds and not just at Christmas. In fact, the family freezer always held backup boxes of her homemade cookies…just in case. Her ability to organize and execute a plan of action was evident at every family birthday or holiday with delicious and memorable food, complete with cutout cake masterpieces for each child’s birthday during their younger years. And she was good at getting everyone involved in the kitchen as it was her philosophy that it was more fun to do it together. Elaine’s children meant everything to her, and she was proud of them, each with their own strengths and unique talents. There is a plaque on her dining room wall that says, “Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever” – a gift from her children many years ago that has ever more meaning today.

Elaine was a long-standing, active member of the former Poseyville United Methodist Church, joining the church community in 1960, and in her later years, was a member of Aldersgate Church. At Poseyville she held various offices in the United Methodist Women’s organization, served as Director of the Sunday School for many years and taught Sunday school classes. Throughout the years, she held many church positions, supporting pastors in their work with the congregation. She could also often be found in the church kitchen or serving in the dining room at fish dinners, potlucks, and funeral dinners, as well as organizing bazaars and bake sales and anything else that needed to be done.

After raising a family of four and building Garrett Family Farm, Elaine and Melvin spent their golden years traveling to many different states in their motor home, with longer stays during the winter months in Zephyrhills, FL making retirement memories with their friends. They also enjoyed watching their grandchildren’s sporting competitions, musical performances, and 4H events.

At the time of her passing, Elaine lived at King’s Daughters Home in Midland where she enjoyed quality care, fun activities and made new friends with residents and staff alike. “Miss Elaine” will be missed by all who knew her there.

Elaine is survived by her four children and spouses/partners, Marjorie (Brian) Moore of New Hartford, NY, Joyce Messer (Steven Bonham) of Richland, Ron (Tina) Garrett of Midland and Nancy (Randy) Harnick of Freeland; grandchildren: Trenton Messer and his finance, Molly O’Rear, Dr. Lauren (Tyler) Peterson, Megan Robinson, Rachel (Kyle) Ewing, Austin Garrett (Kassie Bovee), Ryan (Megan) Garrett, Garrett, Jason and Erin Harnick; great-grandchildren: Trent, Kali and Tanner Bovee, Jasper Melvin Garrett and Sloane Elaine Peterson. Elaine is also survived by a niece, Sherilyn Farris, and two nephews Paul and Duane Garrett. Elaine was predeceased by her mother Nellie, father Leonard, in addition to various uncles, aunts and cousins and a favorite aunt, Alice (Hasty) Liebengood. Alice was like a second mother to Elaine and thus, like a second grandma to Elaine’s four children. Elaine is also predeceased by her brother in-law, Howard Garrett, as well as her sister-in-law, Kathleen (Taylor) Garrett.

Funeral services for Elaine will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026 at Aldersgate Church, 2206 Airfield Ln. Midland, MI 48642. Pastor Michael T. Sawicki will officiate. Family will receive visitors at the Wilson Miller Funeral Home, 4210 N. Saginaw Rd. Midland, MI 48640 on Sunday, February 8, 2026 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to The Chippewa Nature Center, Aldersgate Church or a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal messages of condolence may be offered to the family at www.wilsonmiller.com