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BETTE LARSON HARRIS

BETTE HARRIS Obituary

BETTE LARSON HARRIS, 76, died tragically on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, in an automobile accident in Ohio. "Find the good and praise it."She was traveling to one her favorite places, the Chautauqua Institution. Born Jan. 1, 1933, in Chicago, she was the third of three children and the daughter of Carl and Valborg Larson. She always remained proud of her Swedish immigrant heritage. A dedicated and loving wife, mother, Mor Mor, sister, and friend, she made communication and connection with family and friends a lifelong passion. She was a top seller in real estate for many years. Her career as a real estate broker blended her passions for people, houses, architecture, and Fort Wayne. She was dedicated to her community with long service as a volunteer in just about every facet of Fort Wayne life. She was a strong supporter of the arts in the community with active participation at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne Art League, Art Link and Designer Craftsman. After moving to Fort Wayne in 1969, she served as a member and then President of the Fort Wayne Newcomers Club. With her outgoing personality, optimism and contagious enthusiasm, no one she met remained a stranger for long. Her many friends knew her for her loyalty, devotion and boundless capacity as a thoughtful counselor and caregiver as well as for her planned spontaneity. Her other lifelong interests included the arts, learning and travel at home and abroad. She is survived by her daughter, Cyndy (Tim) O'Brien of Fort Wayne; son, Greg (Judy) Harris of Redmond, Wash.; brothers, Carl (Nancy) Larson of North Olmstead, Ohio, Robert (Carol) Larson of Granger; and grandchildren, Christopher, Anna, Jake, and Elizabeth. She was preceded in death by her adored husband, Charles "Perfect Chuck" Harris, in 1989; and her longtime companion, Reid Chapman, in 2006. Service is 1:30 p.m. Friday at Trinity English Lutheran, 405 W. Wayne. Calling is from 2 to 4 and 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Wayne Street Chapel, 420 W. Wayne St. Burial in Linden-wood Cemetery. Preferred memorials to Fort Wayne Rotary Foundation, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, The Chautauqua Fund, Trinity English Lutheran Church Music & Drama, or donor's choice.

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Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers from Aug. 25 to Aug. 26, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for BETTE HARRIS

24 Entries

September 17, 2009

Cindy and Elizabeth.
Just heard. We are so very sad, so very sorry. Just in shock. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family.
-Lisa Brown/John Gfroerer and Brinkley..Your Chautauqua Family

Diane McCammon

August 31, 2009

Bette was a fellow colleague in Ft Wayne real estate. She had a reputation for professionalism, thoroughness, and reliability. She always had a sunny smile. She will be missed by her community.

Marsi Lawson

August 27, 2009

LOVELY LADY
Our lovely lady
Smile reaching across this universe now

Your joyful spirit
Encompassing everyone
Your commitment to all of us
To artists and dreamers
To family and friends
Infused us with such gratitude
For having shared these moments
With you

Now that you are with the angels
They are singing
They are celebrating
A life lived so vibrantly

We send you on your way
With deep love,
Lovely lady

marsi lawson/designer craftsman friend

August 27, 2009

We were shocked and saddened at the news of Bette's tragic accident. I have worked for Bette for many years going back to the Pine Valley years, and most recently painted the exterior of her house in Sycamore Hills. She probably had a list of projects started for Phil this fall, which I always looked forward to doing, not necessarily for the work, but for the visit. I think she really enjoyed the new look of her house and had ideas for landscaping and decorating in years to come. Bette always had a positive outlook on life and looked forward to the next event, whether with family, grandchildren or friends. We will miss Bette's enthusiasm for life and her interest and concern for my family as well. (Note from Dorcas) When Phil and I stopped by in July to put the finishing touches on her new yellow home, she gave me an envelope with $50 and told me to take my husband out to eat. She thought she had kept him away from me too much while on the job for her. This will be a lasting memory for me of her generosity.

Phil & Dorcas Stuckey

August 27, 2009

My memories of Bette (my first cousin by marriage to Charlie) go back 50 years and she was always appreciated by me and my family for staying in touch and being interested in what was going on. Bette made a difference and will be greatly missed. Patricia Griffin

August 27, 2009

Dear Greg, Judy, Anna & Jake -
We always knew when Mor Mor was visiting. The kids would be so excited days before her arrival. Their excitment was so contagious! Just being with Mor Mor was so much fun. I really loved the way she treasured all of her grandchildren. Especially when she made the special trip to Cousin Tia's restaraunt in Edinburgh, Scotland just because Jake wanted to say hello. We are so blessed to having had the chance to spend time with her.
Our love and hugs to all,
The Stuart Family

August 26, 2009

Dear Cyndy and Greg,
Your folks and ' you kids ' were members of the Herrington Hills Hoard and as such, invoke many happy memories.
Bette and "Chuckie", you are missed by all.

Don and ShirleyAnn Hearn
Hartland, MI

Dianne and Leon Giannakeff

August 26, 2009

We are thinking of you during this time of grieving the loss of your dear mother and grandmother. She was a warm, sweet, and caring person to everyone who knew her. We will cherish our memories of her, and we will dearly miss seeing he at concerts, services, and drama performances at Trinity English. God's blessings to you all! Dianne and Leon

Jerry & Harriet McDermott

August 26, 2009

To Bette's beloved family. We had the priviledge to work with Bette at Banks Mallough Roth and to enjoy many social activities with Bette and Chuck. The picnics and hang gliding and sharing motel rooms in Florida come to mind. Chuck and Jerry couldn't get to sleep because Bette and I couldn't stop talking and giggling through the night. There was also the trip to a Purdue football game. Bette wanted to leave after the half time show. She thought the game was over or wishful thinking should be over. Bette was such a special LADY and she and Chuck were the PERFECT couple.

Debbie Adamisin

August 26, 2009

My sympathy to the family of Bette. She sold us our house in Ft Wayne when we moved there in 1984 and we spent 21 lovely years there. She was such a kind lady. My husband worked with Chuck and we still have a painting he gave to us. They were wonderful people.

August 25, 2009

Bette was our neighbor in Edwardsburg, Mich., years ago, and her family was always so nice. We send our condolences and blessings,
the Gauvreau sisters, Lucille, Gladys and Norma.

Rita Rhoades

August 25, 2009

My deepest heartfelt sympathies to the family. Your mother was a very special lady. I was privileged and honored to work with her in planning many trips for her and for her and the family. She was always such a delight to work with and talk to. Always had a smile in her voice and kind words to say to brighten my day. I will miss hearing from her and listening to the adventures she took and enjoyed with you, her dearest family. Be thankful for so many beautiful memories!! Rita Rhoades

Sara Hood

August 25, 2009

Bette Harris, what a neat, NEAT lady!! We were truly blessed to know her, even though for just a short time, I know she adored my grandfather and he her. She always took the time to come and visit with me, if I hadn't found her first. (with the Chapman clan, that could be difficult at times), I always enjoyed that time and so did each of my girls. She will be truly, TRULY missed!! Our prayers are with you!!
The Hoods - Sara, Eric, Jensen, Gillian and Katelynne and McKenna Baughman

Linda Norris

August 25, 2009

Bette Harris is everything I would like to be in this world. Sincere, caring,interested in everybody and anything. What a gift she has given us to pass on to others. My family lived next to Bette and 'Perfect Chuck" when times were good and when they became more difficult. They went about life in a positive manner. They were so supportive of each other. Her devotion will be missed by everyone of us.

M&M&M

August 25, 2009

Our sympathy to Bette's family and friends. A hug being sent to her grandchildren she was very proud of them.
A special hug to Jake and Elizabeth .....our time together was short but memorable.
Marilyn Lamont, Michelle Hooey and Marlene Bushell from Lafleche, Saskatchewan Canada

Martin Donnelly

August 25, 2009

To all the family, please know that my prayers are with you. I always enjoyed being around Bette, her joy was contagious. She will be greatly missed by all her friends. God bless you.

Martin
<

August 25, 2009

Our friendship began in 1950 when we began working together,
We remained friends throughout these 59 years. Bette truly
enjoyed life and gave much of her time and talents to her
family and community. The accident was a shock to all of
us, she will be missed...but memories are forever
Lola Vrabel Pataluch & Joe Pataluch

Rahim Pirani

August 25, 2009

Bette Harris was a Host Mother to a very close freind on mine(Salim Kassam), Last Tuesday she had Dinner with her Freinds at the Red River Steak House and I had a chance to chat with her, she was a great person.Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Rahim Pirani and Family

Victoria & Mark Stover

August 25, 2009

Oh, my friend Bette. I was shocked to hear of your passing. We were neighbors for a short time but grew to be good friends over the few years since moving back to Chicago. I looked forward to her bus trips to Chicago so we could meet and catch up over lunch with Reid or just the 2 of us. What a wonderful person to have known. I am truly blessed and my prayers and thoughts are with all the family during this time of grief. May you celebrate the memories of her wonderful life at this time and may they also bring you comfort. I still have the white vase that she gave me with a single yellow rose in it. We always said that it was a magic vase because everytime we put a rose in it it would open in it's full glory. Here's my rose to you my friend in your full glory. Your beautiful voice will be missed. xo

August 25, 2009

Betty will be greatly missed. I knew her in Art League. She was an active member who contributed much to the arts. My husband and I are in northern Michigan so will be unable to attend the service. Our thoughts are with the family.
Sincerely, Ann Jenney

Mary Lou Wade

August 25, 2009

I worked with Bette for many years at Coldwell Banker Banks Mallough. She was loved by everyone and a wonderful person to work with. She was outstanding in the real estate field and did a wonderful job for her clients. Her devotion to the community will be missed. My condolences to her family.

Marilyn Perry

August 25, 2009

My thoughts are with your family at this time. I have fond memories of working with Bette at Banks Mallough.

Catharine Kile

August 25, 2009

I met Mrs. Harris many years ago and I am glad to say our paths crossed. My prayers to the family on their loss.

August 25, 2009

Cyndy, Tim, Greg, Judy and loved ones,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Kathy, Art, Deserae, Phil, Art, Sandy, Alex, Ben, Josh, April and Delaney
The Lahrman Family

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