Fern Harris

05/24/1914 — 04/02/2003

From Richland, WA, US | Born in Outlook, Washington

Fern Harris

Family was most important in Fern’s life, and her special gifts were encouragement and support.

She was born on May 24, 1914 in Outlook, Washington, to Ray and Esther Morgan. She was the third of the four Morgan sisters, who also included Hazel, Olive and Iris. Theirs was a fun-loving, hospitable family which was active in the Disciples of Christ Church. The family moved several times: to Sunnyside, Granger, Orchardville, and finally to Wapato, where her father became proprietor of the Morgan Food Store.

Fern attended Washington State College and in 1935 married David Wallace Harris. They moved to Seattle where Dave began his career As an engineer at C.C. Moore and Company, a subsidiary of Babcock and Wilcox.

Fern devoted her life to supporting Dave in his career and raising their three children: Marjorie, David and Esther. She was especially supportive of their interests in Scouting, music and church activities.

Later, when the children were grown and raising families of their own, she and Dave traveled extensively to Europe. They also visited Australia, and in 1976 made a memorable trip to Russia, where for a while, it was not clear if they would be allowed to return.

After Dave’s death in 1982 Fern moved to Yakima to join her sisters and pursue her hobbies of reading, composing poetry, and piano-playing. During that time she was the chief instigator of the numerous family gatherings which have kept us close to each other, and which allowed her to see her beloved six grand- children. Eight beloved great-grandchildren have now been added to the family.

In 1999 she moved to Richland to be near her son, David; there she resided At the Alterra-Wynwood Retirement Center. On Wednesday, April 2, 2003, She quietly slipped away from us.

We all miss her very much.

She is survived by her sisters; Olive Blankenbaker, Iris Knickerbocker; children, Marjorie Hunt, David Harris, and Esther LeSieur; six grandchildren and eight grandchildren.

Fern is preceded in death by her husband David Wallace Harris and sister Hazel Miles.

Graveside service will be held on April 12, 2003 at 1:00 PM at Outlook Cemetery.

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Fern Harris

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  • I was the wife of George Peabody I was remarried in 1993. since he passed away in 1984.

    Your Mother and I always enjoyed each other so much, even though we were unable to see each other very often.

    Your Father was a favorite of George and Robert Peabody.

    I had lost track of Fern when she moved to Richland, and no one knew where she could be located.

    I want you to know that you have my deepest love and sympathy. Fern was a lovely and special lady.

    Lovingly with my prayers to each of you.

    Virginia

    Virginia Peabody-Hubbard
    November 4, 2014
    Yakima, WA, US
  • We visited Aunt Fern in February and made our usual trip to Burger King. During lunch Fern told a series of fascinating stories about her life in New Mexico during WWII. She was a great storyteller. I was looking forward to another installment the next time we saw her, but now it’s too late. When my mom, Hazel Miles, and Fern both lived in Yakima we had many wonderful visits. Aunt Fern had pet names for some of the trips we made Yellow jacket picnic, Cottonwood lunch, White Swan, to name a few. Fern enjoyed retelling the story of a trip as much as the trip. My parents often referred to Fern and Dave as Ladd and Dearie. I have no idea why. Does anyone know? I remembered that the other day when I was telling my sons about Aunt Fern and her New Mexico days. Aunt Fern was one of my favorite people. I will miss her a lot.

    Nephew Mark Miles
    November 4, 2014
    Moses, Lake, WA, US
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