Cathryn LaVerne Harris' Obituary
Cathryn LaVerne Harris
1935-2016
Angels often visit the Earth, but sometimes one stays for a while. Our angel mother stayed for over 81 years. Cathryn LaVerne (Clark) Harris, our beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Friend and Teacher, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of 23 August 2016 at her home in South Jordan, Utah. She is survived by her husband, Ellis Donald Harris, Sr., and by her 12 children and 39 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, and one brother. She was preceded in death by one grandson, her parents, her sister, and an infant brother. Cathy and Ellis were married 24 February 1954 and enjoyed 62 ½ years together in an equal and loving partnership. Cathy loved her family, her church, and her many friends, and lived to serve them. Cathy had a warm and caring heart, and always found ways to help those around her to feel comfortable and important. She was loved by innumerable people and is sorely missed. She was ever appreciative of the many kind professionals who cared for her the last few years.
Cathy was born January 23, 1935, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Henry Peter Clark and Margaret Frances Williams, the third of four children. She excelled in high school, excelling in choir, academics, and the standing long jump. After high school, she moved to Washington D.C. to work for the FBI. There she met Ellis at a singles’ ward activity. J. Edgar Hoover himself called them into his office to congratulate them on their engagement. They married in the Salt Lake City, LDS Temple, and settled in Sandy, Utah, where their first six children were born. In 1964, they moved to Southern California where they raised their family. They lived in Bradbury, California, where their next four children were born, and then moved to Claremont, California, in 1973, where their last two children were born.
Cathy was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at the age of 15. From that moment on, she was a dedicated Disciple of Jesus Christ. She served her church as Ward and Stake Relief Society President, Primary President, Gospel teacher in many capacities and organizations, and for 8 years as a teacher of early morning seminary. While serving as Stake Relief Society President, she had the opportunity to work as a liaison for LDS Social Services and was proud of the role she played facilitating adoptions and the placement of new babies into their adoptive parents’ homes. At the age of 40 she fulfilled a life-long dream of taking voice lessons. We, along with the neighbors, remember those days. She loved music and was an accomplished soloist. She sang for many years with the Southern California Mormon Choir.
Together Ellis and Cathy were called to serve an LDS mission to Nigeria, but her first heart attack thirteen years ago prevented them from going. She worked tirelessly to overcome the effects of her heart attack and subsequent stroke. She was absolutely determined to serve a mission and, within a year, they accepted a call to serve in Utica, New York. After her declining health cut short their mission, they settled in South Jordan, Utah, where she again battled back from the effects of open heart surgery. In Utah, she and Ellis served together as Temple workers and Conference Center missionaries.
Cathy loved to crochet and quilt, and we are proud recipients of her work. She loved filling her house with flowers grown in her yard. Roses and Irises were her favorite. She directed Ellis’ care until the end, making sure he was well cared for. Her passing is not a tragedy to us. It is a blessing to her and to us.
Our angel mother leaves a huge legacy of love, faith, dedication, and service. Hers are not footprints to be filled, but a blueprint for all of our lives. She served and loved to the end. Even as words and strength were failing her, she made the great effort to say “I Love You” to those who came to visit. We are honored to be her children and grandchildren. Mom, we will miss you, but we love you and honor your life with all our hearts.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at the River Ridge 1st Ward building located at 10124 S. 1300 W., South Jordan, UT. Viewing will be at the church on Friday, August 26, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm. and on Saturday one hour prior to the services.
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