Greta L. Harris

Greta L. Harris

Aug. 1, 1929 - Sept. 30, 2023

QUEENSBURY - Greta L. Harris, 94, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 at home with her family at her bedside after a long illness.

Greta was born August 1, 1929 at home in South Bay, Fort Ann. She was the daughter of the late Clarence and Lucinda (Maranville) Rathbun.

On June 18, 1950 she married Erwin D. Harris "Jughead" and made their home on North Bolton Rd., Bolton Landing.

Greta worked at various resorts in Bolton up until she had her first child and then decided to become a full time Mom.

In later years she babysat for many parents in the Bolton area and became "grandma" to many of them.

Greta was a wonderful cook and especially an excellent baker. She never measured an ingredient that went into her pie crusts, it was all made by feel and her pie crusts were consistent every time. She also loved tending to her flower beds and buying new plants each year.

Greta was a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Lake Luzerne where she was a member of the Alter Guild with her dear friend Jeanne Mayo. They formed a special friendship in and outside of church. Greta was always a hit when she hosted coffee hour with her homemade baked goods.

Greta enjoyed going to Peter's Diner on South Street where Nia and mom had a running joke about mom, "Pole Dancing" at the local bars. Both Nia and Helen meant the world to mom. Mom also enjoyed going to 99 and always asked for Emil to be her server. They were all like family to her.

Being with her family meant the world to her. Her love was unconditional yet if you did something she didn't like she wasn't the least bit bashful to let you know.

On October 8, 2008 Greta decided to sell her home on No. Bolton Rd. to move to Queensbury to be closer to her grandkids. When she settled into her home she said that she hoped God would give her at least one year to enjoy her home, instead he gave her 15.

Greta was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her brother, Rodney (Alyce, who Greta thought more of a sister than a sister-in-law) Rathbun of South Bay, Fort Ann; brother, Douglas (Kathy) Rathbun, sister, Patricia Sobolak, who always referred to Greta as "sister/mom", special sister-in-law, Beverly Rathbun, a niece, Greta "Chrissy" Rathbun, nephew, Rodney Rathbun, and Doug's son, Jimmy Rathbun.

Greta is survived by her children: Ken Harris of Queensbury, Linda (Gary) Trombley of Queensbury, Sandy (Bill) Casey of Glens Falls; her grandchildren: Briana Casey (John Dennison), Alicia Casey (Zack Hopkins), Abbie (Tim) Melville, Liam Casey all in the Glens Falls area, Hannah Trombley (Louis Papagni) of Sarasota, FL, Sarah (Niles) Gagnon, McKenzie Gagnon, Tony and Betty Huck and Elizabeth and Julia Guyer. She is also survived by her yet to be born great-grandson, Quinton who is due Oct. 12, 2023; a brother, Gary Rathbun of Wellsville, NY; brother-in-law, Stan Sobolak of Homosassa, FL; and two cousins: Anna Sargent of Fort Ann, Carol Bromley of Moreau; and her sister-in-law, Emma (Richard) Peacock of CA; also several nieces, nephews, and cousins, dear friends; and her two cats: Hallow and Elvira.

The family would like to thank Scott Miller and his nurse Maryellen of Hudson Headwaters, West Mtn. for the excellent care they gave Greta. Mom would put the "brakes on" whenever Scott would mention physical therapy with, "I'm not going to do it!" In the end Scott won out. Maryellen genuinely cared for and loved Greta. Greta thought the world of both Scott and Maryellen, they were like family to her. The family would also like to give special thanks to Greta's niece, Shanon (Keith) Rathbun-Dickinson for the weekly visits, meals, flowers, cider donuts and companionship; her niece, Aleta (Brian) Runnalls of Fort Ann for the texts and phone calls; niece, Debbie Latham for her love and visit to mom, her neighbors on Thomas St., especially Fred and Rosemary Rogers for their daily calls, meals and love; Tony and Mary Gonzalez for their visits and concern for Greta and Russ and Angela Cobb for the prayers and concern for her and for Gay Anable for the Sunday visits. Gay was able to make Greta laugh even when she didn't feel quite up to it, Visiting Nurses for the excellent care they gave mom, Homeward Bound's Amy McMaster and to mom's Angels at High Peaks Hospice, Lori, Alita and Chaplain Matt. We are forever grateful to these people who became family to both mom and the family.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, October 5, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury.

A funeral service will take place Friday, October 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, with Rev. Matt Jones officiating.

A graveside ceremony will follow at Bolton Rural Cemetery in Bolton Landing.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Greta's name to High Peaks Hospice, 1247 Dix Ave., Hudson Falls, NY 12839.

Condolences may be sent directly to Baker Funeral Home, or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.