Wanda Harris

Wanda Murphy Harris

January 29, 1928-October 12, 2016

It is with joyful, yet tender hearts that we announce the passing of our sweet, beloved, grandma, mother, sister, daughter and friend, Wanda Murphy Harris.  Wanda graduated from this life on October 12, 2016 and slipped peacefully in her sleep into the arms of her late husband (George Dudley ‘Dee’ Harris) and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; both of whom she loved very much.

Wanda was born on January 29, 1928 in Chinook, Montana to Thomas Hugh Murphy and Iona Williams. She was the third daughter in the Murphy family and because of her farm life values; she loved hard work and an honest living.  Wanda excelled in school and could always be found on the honor roll in every school she attended.  She had a brilliant mind, graduating with her bachelor’s degree (in Mathematics and Elementary Education) on the dean’s list, with a double major, in three years, while pregnant with her first child. She lived in many of the western states including: Washington, Oregon, Montana, Utah and Idaho and was never afraid of any challenge that presented itself to her.

She was a deeply spiritual person who could interlace passages of scripture into everyday conversation as seamlessly as a weaver entwines thread in a loom.  She served a mission in the Vancouver, British Columbia Mission and relished in her time teaching others about God.

A teacher by profession, she was constantly looking for teaching moments in life and her keen mind served her well in the 25 years she spent shaping the hearts and minds of future generations of learners as both an elementary and secondary school teacher.

She met her husband Dee Harris at Ricks College and the two were married on September 4, 1947 in the Idaho Falls Temple.  Their union produced 8 children who loved and revered their parents and who have also chosen to espouse the religion of their parents.  This was one of her greatest joys in life.

She loved her God first, her family second and all other things after.  She enjoyed playing games with her family and friends, dancing, being active in her local chapter of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, The Glenn Miller Band, watching sporting events, reading, and baking bread.  Oh, how we will miss her homemade bread and the love that accompanied it.

Wanda is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dee and daughter Harriet Harris as well as her brothers Rondo and Theron Murphy. She is survived by her three sisters:  LaVona Dayton, Anita Butikofer, and Carol Walker and two brothers:  Duane and Jay Murphy.  She leaves behind a legacy of 7 surviving children: DeWin (Barbara) Harris, Kim (Janae) Harris, Todd (MaryJo) Harris, Jill (Terry) McEwen, Vicki (Jerry) Rudd, Neal (SueAnn) Harris and Linda (Michael) Larsen. In addition to her children, Wanda has also gained the respect and admiration of 100 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Viewing and Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 21, 2016 at the LDS Chapel located at 2435 E. Canyon Rim Rd, Layton Utah 84040.  Viewing from 4:00-5:30 pm. Funeral 6:00-7:15 pm.

Interment will take place at Fielding Memorial Cemetery located at 4602 S. Yellowstone Hwy, Idaho Falls, ID 83401 on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 1:00 pm. A brief graveside service will precede the interment.

Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindquistmortuary.com