Harold Allen Ness
On April 2nd, Harold Allen Ness passed away at Pinecrest Medical Care Facility, where he had been a resident for nearly two years. Harry was born to Monica and Lester Ness, Sr. on September 22nd, 1937 in Escanaba, MI. He graduated from Escanaba High School.
On July 7, 1976, Harry married RuthAnn Ledford. They shared nearly 50 years of marriage. Harry retired from Mead Paper Mill’s maintenance department after 30 years of employment.
When Harry wasn’t working, he could be found camping, fishing, golfing, hunting, watching football, NASCAR and golf, or tinkering in his shop. Many years were spent deer hunting and enjoying time in Helps, before Harry and his stepson, Mike, built his current camp closer to home, along with help from Ruth. Harry spent time in the woods and hunted until his 85th year. He was proud to have passed the love of the hunt on to his wife, step sons, grandchildren and great grandsons. Every November he could be found in the camp he built, enjoying cookies and coffee, and most importantly, visits with his brothers, nephews, stepsons, and later, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Harry was an avid Detroit Lions fan his entire life. His love of golf started at a young age, when he spent time as a caddy at the Escanaba Country Club. Ruth and Harold camped all over the U.P., but Camp 7 on Highway 13 was a favorite place they’d go to camp with his brother Jim, sister Betty and their families. Once the kids were grown, a new favorite destination for camping was Bond Falls, where Ruth and Harry caught many walleye. In retirement, Harry and Ruth spent several years in Texas as snowbirds, hauling their fifth wheel camper cross-country to escape the U.P. winters before buying a winter home that they fixed up together.
Harry is survived by his wife, RuthAnn; his children Susan, Pam and Mike Ness; stepsons Bill Ledford of Norway, Jim (Kathy) Ledford of Marquette, and Mike (Christy Herrild) Ledford of Bark River; grandchildren Melissa (Brian) Veeser, Alex Ledford, Ethan Ledford & Isaiah Ledford; great grandchildren Landon, JJ, Jaxtyn & Joslyn. Preceding Harry in death are his siblings, granddaughter Sarah Ledford, and great grandson Mason Clark.
Respecting Harry’s wishes, a service will not be held.
A Message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The arrangements are in the care of Crawford Funeral Homes.
