Kathryn Harris

Kathryn Leola “Kay” F. Harris, 92, died June 8 in Corvallis following an extended illness. She was born in Pocatello, Idaho on Oct. 7, 1919, the only child of Leola and Will R. Ferris. When Kay was a young child, the family moved to Portland, Ore. where she attended school and graduated from Grant High School. She attended Oregon State College, where she studied science and education and was a member of the swim team, and graduated in 1941. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority and remained active with the sorority alumni group throughout her life. Following graduation she taught high school science for one year in Coquille, Oregon. In June, 1942 she married her college sweetheart, Irwin C. Harris. Following a short time in Midland Michigan, the couple returned to Oregon and lived in Corvallis and Salem until locating permanently in Corvallis. During the war years, Kay and Irwin served together as volunteers in the Army Air Force Ground Observation Corps, taking weekly shifts to watch the night skies over Oregon. Kay and Irwin’s three daughters, Lois Kathryn, Celia Anne, and Marilyn Elizabeth, were all born in Corvallis. Kay was a devoted mother and homemaker, serving as Bluebird and Camp Fire leader, sharing her love for children’s literature, and being an all-around mentor. Kay was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church of Corvallis and a 74-year member of the PEO Sisterhood. She was also a member and past president of the OSU Folk Club and Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary. While serving with the Hospital Auxiliary she helped celebrate the opening of the new Good Samaritan Hospital. Additional memberships included the Assistance League of Corvallis and several bridge clubs. She was an avid reader and seamstress and enjoyed counted cross stitch. She loved animals and was particularly fond of the family dogs, always giving them special billing in the family photo gallery. Kay and Irwin enjoyed travel and included their family in many wonderful trips. They also shared happy times camping with friends and relaxing at the family cabin on the Oregon Coast. Kay is survived by her husband of 70 years, Irwin C. Harris of Corvallis; three daughters, Lois Berg (Patrick), of Beaverton; Celia Foster (Mark) of Bend; and Marilyn Thompson (Don) of Steilacoom, Washington; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 16 at 1 pm at the First Congregational Church, 4515 SW West Hills Road, in Corvallis. Memorial gifts in Kay’s name may be made to Benton County Hospice or the First Congregational Church, UCC, of Corvallis. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caregivers of Benton County Hospice and to Erin MacDonald, RN, and her team at the Regent Court Memory Care for their wonderful care and support.

Tributes

Kathryn Harris

October 7, 1919 - June 8, 2012