Freda Harris

Dear wife, mother, and grandmother, Freda Henrie Harris, passed away peacefully in her home on the morning of January 16, 2026. Freda's energy, goodness, and zest for life will be greatly missed, and her memory cherished by all those who knew and loved her.

Freda was born in Tremonton, Utah on February 20,1941 to Radcliffe and Pheobe Henrie. The close knit Henrie family enjoyed a robust and busy farm life where everyone pitched in and learned the value of hard work. Freda had wonderful memories of delicious family meals, sleigh rides in the snow, and harmonizing around the piano with her family. From a young age, she learned to read music, play the piano, and sing beautifully.

In high school, Freda was a social butterfly and very involved. She thrived under the direction of Mr. J in the Bear River a Capella choir and formed long-lasting friendships. During that time, she also caught the eye of her lifelong sweetheart, Phil Harris. Freda and Phil became a dynamic duo, and, along with dear friends, they lived it up in the 50's!

After high school, Freda influenced Phil to pursue his education and missionary service while she followed her own passions. She attended Utah State for a year and then moved to Salt Lake to attend beauty school. There she mastered the art of the 'shampoo set,' her signature hair style throughout the years. At 21, she joined the Mormon Tabernacle choir, along with two of her sisters, Teddy and Ann. It was a fun time for her.

Shortly after Phil returned home from his mission, he and Freda were married in the Logan, Utah temple, and their adventure really began! They moved to California for graduate school where they added Janet and Jennifer to their small family. After grad school, it was back to Salt Lake, where Bradley P was born. When Natalie and Amanda arrived, Freda was fully engaged in her life's work of raising a family. She created a loving home where food was abundant and friends were always welcome.

Freda had a gift for entertaining and gathering family and friends. This was her love language. She worked tirelessly to prepare for holidays, family dinners, camping trips, beach vacations, and family reunions. Each week her home was cleaned from top to bottom, ready for house guests, gatherings, firesides, rook games, or a basement full of teenagers.

Freda always filled her home with music. She continued her musical legacy by gathering her children around the piano, teaching them to sing, and encouraging their musical talents. She also loved to listen to her favorite classical and choral music and watch classic movie musicals like the Sound of Music and White Christmas which remained constant companions throughout her life.

When her kids were older, Freda returned to the Tabernacle Choir for another twenty years. With the choir, she shared the gospel message of Jesus Christ with the world, traveling through Europe, Asia, Australia, and Israel, performing in venues like the Sydney Opera house, Dome of the Rock, the White House, and Red Square. Her family loved watching her perform in General Conference, the choir's annual Christmas concert, and Music and the Spoken Word. Singing with the choir brought her great joy! She often came home, filled with excitement, exclaiming, "We were higher than kites!" Music was one of the great themes of Freda's life, along with her love for her family, and her faith in Jesus Christ.

Freda's retirement from the choir came just in time to fulfill her next great role as 'Nana' to her 18 beloved grandchildren. Nana and Papa loved the grandkids! They loved watching them play and perform in all their activities. The grandkids felt Nana's love as she celebrated with them every birthday and special event. They were her pride and joy.

Freda was unforgettable! She never met a stranger and collected friends everywhere she went. Nana didn't want to leave her kids, and grandkids behind, but we are certain her reunion with Phil, Pheobe, Radcliffe, her brothers and sisters, and dear friends was joyful and sweet. Mom, we know you'll watch over us with care, and we love you so much. "God be with you 'til we meet again."

Freda is preceded in death by her husband, Phil Rees Harris, her parents Radcliffe and Pheobe Henrie, and her siblings, Deaun, Weston, Wynn, Helen, Madge, Monette, Ruth, Shirley, and Jane. She is survived by her siblings Teddy, Steven, and Ann, her five children Janet Andrew, Jennifer Rathbun (Craig), Bradley Harris (Amberly), Natalie Clawson (Andrew), and Amanda Taylor (Justin), her 18 grandchildren, Ellery, Olivia (Bradford), Peter, Phoebe, Rose Mae, Graham, Phillip, Taylor, Annabelle, Joshua, Zachariah, William, Caroline, Ruby, Mary (Hayden), Scott (Allison), James, Eliza, and great grandbaby George.

Visitations on Friday, January 30th from 6:30-8:30pm & Saturday, January 31st 9:30-10:30am

Funeral service on Saturday, January 31st beginning at 11:00am

*All services will be held at the Ensign Stake Center, 135 A St. SLC, UT 84103

Burial directly after funeral service on Saturday, January 31st at River View Cemetery 175 E. 1200 So., Tremonton, UT 84337