Harriette LaVada Scherer (née Marsh) passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025, at the age of 97, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 10, 1928, in Plentywood, Montana, she overcame humble beginnings to become the first in her family to graduate from high school and earn a teaching certificate. She taught in a one-room rural school before marrying the love of her life, Cletus Scherer, in 1949.
Harriette devoted her life to her faith, her family, and serving others. Alongside Cletus, she helped build several family businesses, including Scherer’s Pickled Gizzards, while raising their children and creating a home known for its warmth and generous hospitality. A lifelong reader, music lover, gardener, and traveler, she found joy in learning, adventure, and welcoming everyone to her table.
Active in her parish, community organizations, and volunteer work, Harriette quietly exemplified Christian service. She was deeply proud of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, cherishing every opportunity to encourage and celebrate them.
Survivors include her children, Daniel (Barbara) Scherer of Delano, Mary Ann (Jim) Loecken of Melrose, Irene (Paul) Petersen of Fergus Falls, and David Scherer and Ann Jessome of Bedford, Nova Scotia; ten grandchildren, Melissa, Michelle, Ben, Patrick, Raechel, Beth, Nathan, Adam, Lauren and William; thirteen great-grandchildren, Isabelle, Jack, Sativa, Owen, Audrey, Wally, Clete, Emmy, Eloise, Cora, Vivienne, Karlie and Drew; and two great-great-grandchildren, Phionyx and Orion.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Cletus; infant daughter Elizabeth Lucy; granddaughter Cindy; her parents; and her siblings: Marion, Helen, Fredrick, Raymond, and Clifford Marsh.
Harriette’s life reflected the virtues described in Proverbs 31—a faithful servant, devoted wife and mother, compassionate neighbor, and gracious host. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the lives she touched, and the enduring example of a life well lived in service to God and others.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Vince Lieser officiating. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Melrose.
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