Lois Virginia Harris

Lois Virginia Harris, 87 years old, passed away on the first day of Spring, March 20, 2024. It was a glorious sunny afternoon that she would have appreciated. She was at her home for the last 3 years, New Horizons Assisted Living in Anaconda surrounded by family and the caring staff of New Horizons.

Lois was born August 10, 1936 in Hannaford, ND. She was the eldest daughter of Kathryn (Ohman) Hareland and Sidney Hareland. Soon after her birth, the family moved to Anaconda where she resided for the remainder of her life. She was joined by siblings Jim (Red), Dorothy and Jack. The family lived in Goosetown where they spent much of their days playing outdoors. Before her marriage, she worked at an ice cream shop, a shoe store, and a bank.

On November 25, 1956, she married Allyn (Nick) Harris in Anaconda. Over the next 11 years, five children were born, Lynn, Peggy, Dale, Carol, and Sandy.  She cared for her family, participated in church activities, cooked, baked, and kept everyone organized. She sewed and quilted, even making intricate wedding dresses for three of her daughters. She and Nick built the family home. She participated in all aspects of its construction and maintenance.

Many of the things that she most enjoyed happened outside. Lois and Nick were avid fishermen. The boat went around Storm and Echo Lakes more times than could ever be counted. In the winter, they enjoyed ice fishing. She hiked, cross country skied, motorcycled, and rode snowmobiles.

Working in the yard and in her many flower gardens gave her great pleasure. The fruits of Nick and Lois’s labor were gallons of raspberry jam and, one year, the Garden Club Copper Shovel for her excellent flower gardens.

Lois made quilts, and lots of them. They adorn the walls and beds of her home and many other places. She made quilts with the group at Hope Lutheran by the dozens.

When her body started to fail and managing a big house in the country became too difficult, she moved “to town” and took up residence at New Horizons. She settled in and enjoyed her last 3 years being cared for by the wonderful and caring staff. At the end, Pintler Hospice provided much appreciated support as well.

Lois was proceeded in death by her husband Nick, son-in-law Brian Thomas, parents Kathryn and Sidney Harland, brother Jim (Red) Hareland, and parents-in-law Deane and Ivy Harris.

Lois is survived by her five children Lynn Harris, Peggy (Stu) Schalk, Dale Harris, Carol Thomas, and Sandy (Jim) Palakovich. Grandchildren include Lynn’s daughters Shayla Johnston and Rachana Harris; Peggy’s children Callie (Nick) Roche and Jeremy (Jackie) Schalk; Dale’s daughter Malia; Carol’s sons Grady and Kyle Thomas; and Sandy’s daughters Sarah Palakovich (Thomas Vromans) and Ellie Palakovich. Great grandchildren include Keaton Harris, Kelsey Johnston, and Kadence Johnston; Parker and Presley Roche; and Carter and Riley Schalk. Great-great- granddaughter, Kinlee Vanvallis. Also surviving are her siblings Dorothy Foster, Jack (Cathy) Hareland, and sisters-in-law Peggy Hareland, Marie Chapman, Dixie Harris, and Sharon Harris, as well as brother-in law Gene Harris.

A memorial service, organized privately by the family and church, will be held at Hope Lutheran Church on Saturday April 6, 2024 at 1:30 PM with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall. Her ashes will be scattered this summer, probably along with a family fishing trip!  Memorials can be made to Hope Lutheran Church, the Church quilters group, or to a charity of your choice.

Lois’s family will forever be grateful for the people that supported her through the years. These include her church friends and family, medical providers, hospice workers, and especially the wonderful caring and compassionate staff at New Horizons.

Please visit the sidebar to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Lois.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Lois and her family.