Adelita (Lela) Lira-Harris
Adelita (Lela) Lira-Harris
Adelita (Lela) Lira-Harris passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006 in Kennewick. Lela was born on December 19, 1951 in the small town of Edcouch, Texas to Reynaldo and Alvesa Lira.
Lela graduated with honors from Edcouch-Elsa High School in 1971. Her introduction to the state of Washington as a seasonal migrant field worker encouraged her to pursue her secondary education at Washington State University. She later obtained her master's degree in education. Her career included teaching in Moses Lake, Edmonds and Kennewick. She enjoyed teaching first and second grade students and was frequently requested by parents. Her most recent position was teaching bilingual first grade at Eastgate Elementary School.
Lela found her soul mate in Mark Harris. In the summer of 1987 they were married in Reno. In the fall of 1995, Lela and Mark traveled to China to adopt a baby girl they named Myanna Yu. This little girl became the greatest joy in their life and made their family complete. In the spring of 2003 they relocated from Edmonds to Kennewick.
Lela is survived by her daughter Myanna and husband Mark; five sisters: Anita, Alicia, Alma, Aida, and Adelia; three brothers, Reynaldo Jr., Roel and Ruben; and mother Alvesa V. Lira.
Mueller's Chapel of the Falls in Kennewick is in charge of arrangements and public viewing will be Friday, Jan. 6 from 2 until 5 p.m. Rosary service will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kennewick on Friday, Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. Funeral Mass will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7 followed by graveside services at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland. Friends and family are welcome to attend a reception celebrating Lela's life at the St. Joseph school in Kennewick following services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lela Harris Memorial Fund in care of Mark Harris at any Banner Bank or mailed to Banner Bank, P.O. Box 6003, Kennewick, WA 99336. Contributions will benefit Eastgate Elementary Bilingual Students.
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