Ernest Lee Canniff

Ernest L. Canniff, 78, of Dowagiac, passed away at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, MI on Thursday, October 16, 2015 after a lengthy illness. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at Clark Chapel & Cremation Services, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, MI.  Burial will follow at South Wayne Cemetery.  Friends may visit with the family from 12:00 – 2:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Cass County Animal Shelter. Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence of Ernest online may do so at www.clarkch.com. Ernest was born on September 22, 1937 in Dowagiac, MI to John and Louise (Bresnahon) Canniff. He married the former Susan Mellon in Cassopolis, MI. on June 23, 2000. Ernest was a lifelong farmer and took great pride in his farm. He raised dairy cows and more recently raised draft horses and stabled horses for others. Ernest enjoyed spending time on the lake fishing.  He was an accomplished member of the Future Farmers of America earning many awards and certificates. Ernest is survived by his wife Susan, three stepdaughters; Jennifer (Burton) Edgerly of Dowagiac, Sheila Birge of Cassopolis and Lisa (Nicholas) Kraus of Cassopolis, nine grandchildren; Elisabeth, Nichole, Ashley, Mike, Kelsi, Chandler, Noelle, Benjamin and Abraham, one great-granddaughter; Kingzley and a nephew Billy Canniff. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Judy Canniff.