Betty Harris

1932 - 2019

Betty LaRue Harris (nee Peterson), beloved wife of the late Garth Harris, passed away peacefully in Taber, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at the age of 86 years.

Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, September 13, 2019 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. and at the church prior to the funeral service on Saturday, September 14, 2019 between 9:45 A.M. and 10:40 A.M.

The Funeral Service was held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Centre, 4709 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden.

Betty is survived by her children Renee (Neil) Nordquist of Bismarck, North Dakota, Diane (Lorne) Patzer of Lethbridge, Richard (Caroline) of Santa Clara, Utah, Merrill (Malinda) Harris of Taber, Julie (Eric) Nuttall of Pleasant Grove, Utah, Denzil (Karen) Harris of Alpine, Utah, Shauna Bodnar of Sherwood Park and Ian (Kim) Harris of Taber. She is also survived by thirty one grandchildren and thirty six great grandchildren whom she loved and adored. Betty will be fondly remembered by her brothers Ron Peterson of Calgary, Rulon (Dee) Peterson of Westminster, California, Larry (Reta) Peterson of Pleasant Grove, Utah and sisters-in-law NaVee Wynder of Provo Utah, Evelyn Harris of Lake Havasu, Arizona and by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her loving husband Garth Harris, her son Derrick Harris, three grandsons Jason Harris, Devin Harris and Eric Nordquist, son-in-law Allan Bodnar, her parents Elgin and Dorene Peterson, step Father Ward Webb, her in laws Ivan and Maude Harris, brother Gordon Peterson, sisters-in-law Peg Peterson, NuRae Peterson, Joyce Palmer and Inez Harris, brothers-in-law Bernarr Harris, Garry Harris, Curt Wynder, Delbert Palmer and Don Porter.

Betty was born on December 31, 1932 in Stirling where she spent the first fourteen years of her life in a very close knit family. She moved to Lethbridge in 1947. Her teenage years were happy and carefree with a great group of friends. Betty was a majorette for the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute band and then again for the University of Alberta band. While at the University of Alberta, she received her teaching certificate in 1951. In the fall of that year, she started teaching school in Barnwell where she taught for the next two years. Betty’s close friend Jeananne (Garth’s cousin), introduced them and after a yearlong courtship were sealed on August 27, 1952 in the Cardston Alberta Temple. They enjoyed sixty wonderful years together.

Betty was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many capacities including visiting teacher, ward organist, choir director, ward and stake Relief Society president, Mutual president and temple ordinance worker. She served a mission with Garth in the Bern Switzerland Temple. She also volunteered at the local PTA, the hospital, Meals on Wheels, Cancer and Diabetic Associations, Daughters of Utah Pioneers and the Kiwanis Hand Bell Choir.

Many people have been blessed by Betty’s musical, culinary and quilting talents. Betty lived a life of service and scattered sunshine to all she came in contact with. Her motto in life was to live, laugh, love and be happy.

If friends so desire, memorial tribute in Betty’s name may be made directly to the charity of one’s personal choosing.

Her family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the Clearview Lodge, Linden View and the doctors, nurses and staff at the Taber Health Centre, who so tenderly cared for Betty throughout her recent illnesses.