October 12, 1922 ~ August 3, 2014
Funeral services for Verna Ruth Harris, 91, of Hughes Springs will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at Reeder-Davis Chapel with Bros. Jay Pollan and Chad Thompson officiating, with interment to follow at Hughes Springs Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home, Inc. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at the funeral home. Mrs. Harris was born October 12, 1922 in Minneapolis, MN. Where, after graduating high school, she joined the United States Navy W.A.V.E.S. where she served as a Pharmacist Mate third class. She met and fell for the southern charm of L.V. Ranchie Harris. They moved to Texas and were married in Texarkana, TX. In 1945. They purchased an existing drug store and changed the name to Harris Bros. Pharmacy in 1949 and operated it for over 30 years. She loved her life in Texas as a transplanted Yankee and never looked back. She embraced her new life as a southern wife and mother and was active in many organizations, including: cub-scout den mother, Sunday school teacher, PTA, band booster and the Arden Hanes Chapter 351 of the American Legion. She received several recognitions for her volunteer efforts. She was awarded 2007 Volunteer of the Year from the US Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2012 the Hughes Springs Chamber Of Commerce presented her with the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award. The one thing that most people will remember her for will be her famous cookies and croutons. Verna Ruth went peacefully to her eternal home while surrounded by her loving family. Left to mourn her passing are her children. Son, Don Harris and daughter Norma Lee Harris, both of Hughes Springs; granddaughter Sandy Smith-Lanier and her husband J.C., their children Zoe, Zaida, Michael and Scotty Lanier of Daingerfield; grandson, Michael Harris and wife Elizabeth, of Avinger, as well as many nieces and nephews and several great-great-grandchildren. A special friend, Francis Fuller, the members of the Navy WAVES-AGO and also the members of the local American Legion post, and numerous friends will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband of years of 42 years, L.V. Ranchie Harris; her parents, Norman Lee and Vesta Michael; one son, John Michael Harris; one grandson, Marc Wesley Harris; two brothers, Warren and William Michael and twin sister Vearl Clem. Memorials may be made to Heartsway Hospice, Longview, TX.
Guestbook
Auntie you were an amazing woman and although most of my memories are from when I was much younger, I'm very thankful that I was able to spend some time with you recently during my moves to Oklahoma and back. I will hold those memories in my heart forever. May you rest in peace!
Don, My thoughts and prayers are with you
Im so sorry to hear about Mrs Harris. Prayers go out to all the family. God Bless You all.
Our deepest sympathy to Don and Norma and family. Verna Ruth will be greatly missed.
Don and Norma:My condolences to your family for Ms. Vera's passing. Although I did not know her well I enjoyed watching her at the Wildflower from time to time with her "quarter-plays". I know she will be missed by all who knew her.
Sandy,Don and Norma – we extend our deepest sympathy to you all . You are in our prayers during this difficult time .
Our hearts are with you in your time of sorrow. God bless you all. Rest in peace Aunt Verna.
Dearest Norma,Don and Sandy, I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs Verna Ruth was a joy to be around and I know she will be sorely missed by you all. Just know that she has gone on to her glory, and you will see her again.
Don & Sandy, Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know that all of Hughes Springs will miss this special lady. She was always busy doing good for our community. May God enfold you in His loving arms and cuddle you close as you walk through the days ahead. I love both of you!
Don, she is in a better place now and not hurting at all. I can only imagine the upbeat attitude she is sharing with your Dad as am sure he met her at the Pearly Gates. Just remember they are both looking down at you and smiling. God Bless you
Norma and Don,I am so sorry to hear about Verna Ruth. I have such fond memories of her. She was such a good friend to my Mamoh. I spent many hours sitting at the kitchen table listening to them talk and laugh. I know you will miss her dearly. My thoughts and prayers with you.
Thank God for women like Verna Ruth! They were SO strong. These women, more than any others in our history, blazed a path of which the weaker hearted could only dream, and those like myself, are so grateful to be able to follow. Fair Winds and Following Seas Ms. Verna Ruth. You will not be forgotten.
Oh, our precious Verna has gone "home" ! Norma and Don my heart breaks for you, but, I am rejoicing today for your Mom. She was an adorable person and I just loved her as well as all of HS and she will be missed. May God HOLD you in the days ahead and give you HIS peace. LOVE YOU
Mrs. Verna Ruth will be sorely missed by those of us at the VA clinic in Longview. She was a truly unique lady and I am grateful to have gotten to know her during the years she volunteered at the clinic.
Don,My thoughts and love are with you always.Sam
Don & Norma:This is a difficult time for you, and all are in my prayers. So hard to say good-bye to our parents! Praying for peace and comfort for your family!
Norma and Don, So sorry for your loss. Praying that God will wrap you in His arms and carry you through the days ahead.
We hope your grief turns to great memories very soon. Verna Ruth was a good friend to our mom and our families go back many years together. Love and prayers to you. The Burleson Kids-Gary, Judy, Janeva
Very sorry for your loss: Isaiah 51:12 tells you that our Creator, Almighty God, can and will comfort you
No one would have ever guessed her age. My prayers are with the family at this time, such a treasure will be missed by so many.
So sorry for your loss Don and family. God bless your mother for her service to this country and the community. Prayers for you all!
Our little town just got a whole lot smaller
Verna Ruth will be greatly missed here at the VA clinic in Longview. She always had a smile on her face and a great story to tell! Not to mention her cookies!! She really held a special place in my heart. My prayers to her family.
Norma and family, we are very sorry to for your loss. I'm proud to say that I got to meet her–what a grand person! Miss Verna Ruth really made a great impression on all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. The world will surely miss her!We miss you, Norma!
Our prayers are with the family. May God bless y'all.
We wanted to express our deepest sympathy to you and Don and your family. We will always remember your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this journey. With sincere sympathy,The Murray & Mayon Gibson family, Murralyn, Mark and Gina