Jane Urry Harris

Jane Urry Harris, beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, returned to her Heavenly Father peacefully, while surrounded by her family, on March 13th, 2024, following a prolonged battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was born at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah on March 22nd, 1945, to Francis L. and Virginia C. Urry. She was the third of four children and grew up in the Avenues area of Salt Lake City, Utah. Her parents' examples and guidance provided her the environment for developing a deep abiding faith in Heavenly Father and her Savior. They also instilled a strong work-ethic and Jane further perfected that work ethic after childhood. She frequently spoke delightfully of her childhood, especially about spending time with siblings, friends, and parents.

Jane acted and sang in many theatrical productions. At a very young age Jane exhibited a passion for life, for laughing, family, and chocolate (not always in that order). She freely shared smiles, a joke, a laugh, or personalized poems or songs. Many of her personally written and performed songs or poems will be remembered by friends and family for decades. She loved others remarkably and endeavored to show and share that warmth by serving them in various ways.

Jane attended East High School graduating in 1963 and went on to attend Weber State College. She performed in many productions at East and Weber State with her favorite being Annie Get Your Gun with Weber State College.

Van and Jane were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on June 10th, 1964. They spent most of their married lives in Utah but also lived in Washington State and California while raising their children. They had six children and ultimately, after losing a nine-year old son in 1976, raised five children. Jane worked tirelessly to ensure her children knew they were loved.

First and foremost, Jane loved her family. As her family increased, her joy also increased. Her grandchildren cherish memories of spending time with grandma laughing, singing, baking, joining Friday lunches at the Olive Garden, and grandma's goodies (especially chocolate). She was always up for an adventure and enjoyed traveling to beaches in Southern California as well as going anywhere that the sun was shining. She especially enjoyed her trips overseas with her sister Gracie as well as the many other adventures they shared together.

She served faithfully in various callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Family members have fond memories of her frequent, sincere prayers and her testimony of Christ. She raised her children based on the principles of faith, service, and resilience, with emphasis on loving others. She enjoyed her various opportunities to serve but favored those callings that included teaching, especially her Temple Prep and Relief Society classes. Of note, Jane never hesitated to say "I love you" to family, friends, patients, and co-workers.

Jane thrived during her 40-year nursing career. One milestone she treasured was serving as the President of the Utah Chapter of the American Case Management Association. Working with patients and nurturing them throughout the healing process was thrilling for her. Although she confidently mastered the technical aspects of her roles, it was connecting on an extraordinary level through the relationships she formed that were most rewarding to her. She was especially talented at providing extraordinary levels of care that also included visiting patients at home, unpaid during evening hours, to check on them, treat their various physical needs, and lift their spirits. She always put love into her efforts to serve all those under her care.

Thanks to Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home. Special thanks to the entire staff of the Murray Utah Abbington and Inspiration Home Health & Hospice. Your gentle kindness, expertise, and attentive care of our mom was incredible. We also express our appreciation to those friends who have loved and cared for Jane, especially during her recent health challenges.

Jane is survived by her husband, Van L. Harris; children Todd U (Denisha) Harris, Murray, Utah; Kimberley Harris Larson, Murray, Utah; Matthew L (Melissa) Harris, China Grove, North Carolina; Melanie J (Shane) Hatt, Riverton, Utah; Jennifer J (Jeff) Horne, Murray, Utah; 22 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a sister, Grace Henderson; and her beloved dog Bosley. Jane is preceded in death by her son, Michael V. Harris, her parents, a brother, Francis M. Urry, a sister Virginia U. Jensen, son-in-law Damon A. Larson, and a great-granddaughter Jianna E. Baine.

A funeral service will be held in the chapel of Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home of Murray, Utah located at 4760 South State Street, Murray, Utah on Saturday March 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Friends and family may call on Saturday morning, March 23, 2024 prior to the service, at the funeral home from 9:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.