Geraldine Faye Harris

Geraldine "Gerry" Faye Harris, 87, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012, at Ashley Health and Rehab in Rogers, Ark., following a brief illness. She was born on Feb. 19, 1925, in Dakota City, Neb., to Willard and Pearl (Howard) Owens. She graduated from Leeds High School in Sioux City, Iowa. She married Donald L. Harris in 1943 in Sioux City, where they raised their family and continued to live until his death in 1995. She worked for Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, Wash., during WWII and later at Interbake Foods in Sioux City. She was a former member of Grace Untied Methodist Church, and a member and past Worthy Matron of Morningside Chapter No. 502, Order of Eastern Star in Sioux City. She moved to Bella Vista in 1997. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sister, Sylvia Harrington; brothers, Cecil, Hershel, Wayne and Alva Owens; and grandchildren, Kimberly Erickson and Jason Franklin. She is survived by her children, Vicki (Al) Erickson, Kathy (Steve Sr.) Franklin, Don (Lyn) Harris, of Bella Vista, and Bonnie (Dan) Thornton of Sioux City; sisters, Marie Pickens and Lavina Iverson, of Sloan, Iowa; brother, Ralph (Maxine) Owens, and sister-in-law, Kenna Mae Owens, of Sioux City; grandchildren, Kris King, Melissa Bowman, Amy Vaught, Ryan Thornton, Steve Franklin Jr. and Troy Franklin; 17 great-grandchildren; and many loving and caring nieces, nephews and friends, who will miss her infectious laugh and joy for life. Burial was beside her beloved husband of 52 years on Saturday, March 3, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Sioux City. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Tuesday, March 6, at 1 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Bella Vista. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.