Wanda Harris

Wanda June Harris, of Idaho Falls and Meridian, Idaho, passed away at the age of 85 at Grace Memory Care in Meridian, Idaho, of natural causes. Wanda was born June 17, 1925, in Hilger, Montana, to Lee Harris and Mila Independence Kruse Harris. She was the oldest of seven children. Wanda had a great love for education and began her schooling in Cut Bank, Montana, then attended college at Havre, Montana. World War II interrupted her education and Wanda moved to Portland, Oregon, where she contributed to the war effort by putting together First Aid Kits for the troops. Wanda then moved to Provo, Utah, where she attended BYU. It was while living in Provo that she met and fell in love with Carlton Alfred "Bud" Harris of Anchorage, Alaska. They were married January 24, 1948, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple in 1957. Wanda and Bud spent the first six years of their married life working on projects in the States of Utah, Kentucky and Idaho. They chose to settle in Ucon, Idaho, to raise their daughters, Carla, Cathy and Carrie. In 1960, Wanda and Bud were called to serve a building mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in England. While living there, Wanda gave birth to their fourth daughter, Calleen. Shortly afterwards they were transferred to Cleveland, Ohio, and served until 1967. Upon the release from their mission they returned to Ucon, Idaho. Living in Ucon, Wanda kept the books for Bud's general contractor business. She also owned and operated several student apartment complexes in Rexburg, Idaho. Wanda enjoyed serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in many callings, such as a Relief Society president, Relief Society teacher, Primary Chorister, Webelos Scout Leader and in the Idaho Falls Temple. Wanda had a sense of class and was very poised. She had a love for the arts, especially classical music and enjoyed playing the piano and violin. She also loved to travel, and enjoyed meeting new people while discovering their culture and seeing the beauties of the world. Wanda was exceedingly nurturing and caring for those around her. She especially enjoyed spending quality time with her grandchildren reading to them and sharing stories about the adventures of her life. She was never afraid to get her hands dirty while teaching her family about hard work and how to have a good time. She had a quick wit and great sense of humor. Wanda’s giggle was infectious and her family is left with countless funny memories, which will be forever cherished and shared for many generations to come. She was admired by many and built a great legacy for her family to honor. Her daughters will always be grateful to their mother for teaching them by her wonderful example the best aspects of being a woman, the importance of an education, work ethics, and integrity, service to others and family and her love of God. Her posterity will carry on her example, as they continue to build and live the lives Wanda would be proud of. She will be deeply missed! Wanda is preceded in death by her husband, Bud; her parents; a brother, Lowell Harris; a sister, Milalee Yearsley; and a daughter, Carrie Alora Harris. She is survived by her daughters, Carla Harris of Rexburg, Idaho, Cathy Smith of Seattle, Washington, and Calleen Harris-Sitz of Boise, Idaho; 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 28, 2010, at the Idaho Falls LDS Milo 2nd Ward, 12127 North 75 East, with Bishop Vern Piquet officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, and from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church in Milo. Burial will follow in the Ucon Cemetery. Floral Arrangements provided by Down To Earth Floral.

Funeral Services

11 a.m. ,Saturday, August 28, 2010 Idaho Falls LDS Milo 2nd Ward 12127 North 75 East Idaho Falls, ID 83401 Notes: The family will visit with friends Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, Idaho Falls, and Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church in Milo. Burial in Ucon Cemetery.