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Willodeen Harris Obituary

san diego Willodeen Esther Harris of San Diego passed away on August 23, 2015 at the age of 96. She was born to Alva Lantz and Ola (Passmore) Lantz in Greenville, Ohio on June 21, 1919, the youngest and longest lived of five children. At the age of 18 Willie met a young sailor, Frank, and they had a few dates before he returned to duty on the U.S.S. Arizona. They corresponded for a year and married on his next leave, having spent less than two weeks together. Despite the brief courtship, forced separations and many moves that came with his military career, their marriage was a happy one lasting 73 years before his passing in 2012. Willie is survived by three children: Lana Bradley (Michael) of Encinitas, CA; Larry Harris (Barbara) of Blacksburg, VA; and Jerry Harris (Nancy Eisenberg) of Fountain Hills, AZ. Also survived by four grandchildren: Lori Collins of Springdale, AR; Mike Harris of Chandler, AZ; Tami Salinas of Purcellville, VA; and Jesse Bradley of Encinitas, CA; six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. After spending their early retirement years in the Allied Gardens area of San Diego, Willie and Frank moved to Casa de las Campanas retirement community in Rancho Bernardo. Willie spent her final years in the Health Care Center, where she greeted all visitors with a smile, and was twice voted Valentine Queen. The family is very grateful for the loving care of the HCC staff, as well as that of the Elizabeth Hospice. Willie will be remembered for her devotion to her beloved husband and to her children. She was a kind, perceptive person who was particularly sensitive to the needs of others, which she placed before her own. At her request, there will be no public service. Gifts in her memory can be made to CRE, scholarship fund for Casa employees (contact: [email protected]). Please sign the Guest Book online obituaries.utsandiego.com Willodeen Esther Harris

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Sep. 20, 2015.

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2 Entries

Jamie Utter

September 20, 2015

Willy, you were a kind and decent person. Your legacy speaks volumes about your goodness. I'm glad I got to meet you. I'm glad I got to take your picture with your family that time. Thank you for giving me one of the best friends ever.

September 20, 2015

hi lana..nice obit...I remember going to hang with your mom and getting her to chat about her life on video... she was so easygoing...you were lucky to have her hang out with you for so long...

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