Clara Genevieve Harris

In Loving Memory of

Clara Genevieve (Knopp) Harris

September 13, 1923 - February 29, 2024

Clara Genevieve Harris, born September 13, 1923, in a humble chicken coop-turned-home in Kettle Falls, Washington, passed away peacefully on February 29, 2024, at the remarkable age of 100. The seventh of twelve children, Clara's life was shaped from the beginning by grit, perseverance, and a profound appreciation for the simple joys of living.

Clara's century of life was marked by quiet strength and unwavering resilience. She endured life's hardships with grace and purpose, always choosing love and generosity over complaint. Her compassion stretched far and wide-from her family and friends to every stray or sick animal that crossed her path.

A lifelong partner to her beloved husband, veterinarian William F. Harris (1918-1996), Clara was more than a devoted wife-she was his partner, his right hand, and constant companion in both life and work. Together, they shared a deep devotion to the well-being of animals, forming friendships across the country through their practice and travels. Clara's steadfast support of William's calling wasn't just behind the scenes-it was active, purposeful, and rooted in their shared values of care and service.

Clara's nurturing soul found its fullest expression in her garden, where her hands coaxed beauty from the soil. Her vegetable garden as well as roses bloomed and provided as vibrantly as her spirit.

Clara had a special gift for making work feel like play. She was rarely without her trimmers and a box of matches, ready for branches and brush clean-up. Along with the bonfires she tended, she loved the easy conversations that flowed while working-talking about anything and everything. She was quite determined, it became a running family joke to see who would catch the most fish, pick the most berries, or gather the most mushrooms. Vacations often revolved around some sort of outdoor project-trimming her brother, Jesse's fruit trees, pulling weeds, rounding up tumbleweeds from the garden, or heading into the woods for huckleberry and mushroom picking. Being around Clara while working was always a joy, filled with laughter, teasing, and friendly competition. Whether working the land or watching birds from her yard in Puyallup, Clara found peace in the rhythms of nature.

Those fortunate enough to visit her home were greeted not only by the blooms in her yard but by the comforting aroma of fresh-baked bread, warm cookies, and her signature carrot cake. Clara's kitchen was a sanctuary of generosity, where love was measured in heaping portions and time spent together.

Even at 100, Clara's spark never dimmed. Her centennial celebration in September 2023 brought together generations of family and friends to honor a woman whose kindness, wisdom, and strength left a lasting imprint on all who knew her. She reveled in their presence, her face lit with the joy of shared memories and enduring connection.

Clara's legacy is one of love and resilience. She is survived by her sons James T. Harris (Judy, deceased), Harry E. Harris (Kelly), and Victor E. Harris (Cathy); her brother and sister-in-law Jesse (Delores) Knopp; and was predeceased by her daughter Francis L. (Harris) Anspach. Her spirit lives on through her grandchildren-Jason Harris, Sloan Clack, Justin Harris, Clinton Harris, Hannah Rudnick, Rosa Tafoya, Maria Caton, and the late Seana Harris-as well as her many great- and great-great-grandchildren.

Clara lived a full and generous life-rooted in love, grounded in family, and forever blossoming in memory.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life, Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 12pm to 4pm at Mama Stortini's Fireside Room, 3207 East Main Avenue, Puyallup WA 98372