Zella Joy Harris

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, Zella "Joy" Belliston Harris, surrounded by her loving family, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, April 22, 2011, after a heroic battle with cancer.

She was born on December 2, 1945 in Payson, Utah to Ronald Oscar and Caroline Naomi Topham Belliston. She graduated from Ben Lomond High School in 1964 and received a certificate as a Licensed Practical Nurse from Weber State College in 1970 after studying one year at Brigham Young University. Joy was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served a faithful mission to the Uruquayan Mission from February 1967 to July 1969. Throughout her life, she held many ward positions, including serving with various Relief Society Presidencies, herself serving as President for five years. On September 25, 1970, she married Michael R. Harris in the Manti LDS Temple. She is the mother of six loving children and 14 grandchildren.

Joy lived a life dedicated to the service of those around her as she was blessed with a special gift of compassion and love for others. She worked as a maternity nurse at McKay-Dee Hospital, a home care nurse for new Spanish speaking mothers, and a hospice nurse for Hospice for Utah. Through forty years of care-giving she had many special experiences providing care for many wonderful people, and many of her patients and fellow care-givers became cherished friends. She will always be remembered for the blessings she brought into the lives of countless people.

Joy felt being actively involved in political endeavors an important civic duty. Throughout her life she organized caucus meetings and attended many political conventions as a delegate to fulfill this duty.

Joy was equally dedicated to her family, and was a shining example of faith, hope, and unconditional love. She was always there for us and she will be greatly missed.

Joy is survived by her husband Michael R. Harris of Roy; children, Christopher Todd (Amanda) Harris of Eden; Wendy Joy (Steven) Johnstun of Ogden; Timothy Michael (Kristin) Harris of Syracuse; Kyle R. (Joni) Harris of Layton; Cami Marie (Torrey) Tolton of Clearfield; and Karalee Ann (Daniel) Kemp of Washington Terrace; siblings, four sisters and two brothers; and all 14 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family expresses tremendous gratitude to Hospice of Utah, with special appreciation to Debbie Gough and Belinda Adolfsen, who became part of our family.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Roy 10th Ward Chapel located at 5900 S. 3100 W. Roy, Utah, with Bishop Wayne Burrell, officiating.

Family will meet with friends on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lindquist''s Roy Mortuary, 3333 W. 5600 S. and Wednesday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the Ward Chapel.

Interment, Vine Bluff Cemetery, Nephi, Utah at 3:30 p.m.

Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com