L. Barbara (Peggy) Harris
February 19, 1920 – May 28, 2016
L. Barbara (Peggy) Harris, 96, of Moses Lake, Wash., passed away May 28, 2016, with family by her side. Peggy was born Feb. 19, 1920, in Lumsden, Saskatchewan, Canada to Eldon and Bessie Jones. The family relocated to the Yakima Valley later that year. Peggy graduated from Toppenish High School in 1938. She started nurses training in 1940 at St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing in Yakima, graduating in 1943. She became a naturalized citizen and loved her country, voting during every election.
Peggy met Grant Harris of Wapato, Wash. while in nurses training. They married Jan. 19, 1943. In 1952, they moved to Block 40 in Moses Lake. Eventually, they moved into town where they made their home for over 50 years. Many hours were spent with family and friends “under the carport.” Peggy lived the last 10 years at Monroe House, surrounded by loved ones.
Peggy worked at both the old and new Samaritan Hospitals. In 1962, she went to work at Big Bend Community College, teaching health occupations. She eventually became the director of the nursing program, retiring in 1982. Her passion for nursing and love of teaching was evident to all. Up to the time of her death, past students would seek her out and share memories about when they were in her classes.
Besides her career and taking wonderful care of her family, she loved to play cards, camp, bowl, golf, and frequently out-fished Grant. She was a Camp Fire Girls leader, traveled many miles in their motorhome, crocheted and knitted beautifully, cooked fabulous Sunday and holiday dinners, was a knowledgeable sports fan and it is even said she shot the head off a pheasant once. More than anything, she was the person people turned to when advice, a shoulder, or a hug was needed. Her door was always open to neighbors, friends, family, students, her kids’ friends, co-workers, and the occasional stray animal. She was also very proud and supportive of the work Grant did for the Tall Elks Therapy Program.
The family thanks Dr. Keven Smith, and the staffs of Monroe House, Samaritan Hospital, and Columbia Crest for the outstanding care given and compassion shown to our mother.
Peggy is survived by her children Dick (Eloise) Harris, Villa Park, Calif.; Jim (Merrily) Harris, Spokane; Barbara (Doug) Schonewald, Moses Lake and Nancy (Ron Neal) Harris, Spokane. She also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Grant, and siblings George Jones, Bud Jones, Dulcie Eagle, Pat Syverson, Ruth Jones, and Bill Jones.
Funeral services will be held at Kayser Chapel at 10 a.m., Friday, June 3 with viewing from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to the Big Bend Community College Foundation for the L. Barbara (Peggy) Harris Nursing Scholarship, 7662 Chanute Street NE, Moses Lake, WA 98837. Sign the online guestbook at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory.