Mary Elizabeth "Beth" Harris

Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Harris, age 95, passed away peacefully at Meadowlark Assisted Living in Yreka, California, on Wednesday, January 1, 2014. Beth was born to Jesse Clyde Witt and Mary Edna (Board) Witt on February 27, 1918, in Meade County, Kentucky. She lived in Kentucky until her mid-twenties when she left to work in the shipyards in Long Beach, California during World War II. While working in Long Beach, she met her future husband, James “Jim” Harris. Beth and Jim married in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1944. The newlyweds lived on various Army bases until settling in Sacramento, California after the war. During their marriage they had two children, Richard and Nancy. When Beth left Sacramento to move to Siskiyou County to be near her children, she had lived in the same home in Sacramento for 61 years. Family was the center of Beth’s life and it was her family that benefited most from her devotion and sacrifice. At the young age of 9, Beth stepped into the role of protector and nurturer for her two brothers, Dick and Clyde. The responsibility of raising two younger siblings, along with her Papa, helped shape her loving and generous character. Beth’s door was always open to anyone in need. She loved antiques, home decorating and was an excellent cook. After being a homemaker for many years, Beth went to work for the California Department of General Services. There, she continued to shine receiving several awards for her outstanding work and creativity. In addition to many wonderful friends, Beth is survived by her children and spouses, Richard (Jeanette) Harris and Nancy (Dan) Stone, stepson Jim (Carole) Harris; grandchildren, Jason Long, Jim (Michelle) Harris, Jennie (Brad) Harris, Michael Long, Preston (Jill) Harris, Richie (Niki) Harris and Tom (Julia) Harris; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-laws Rose Witt, Jackie Witt, Donna Lassiter and numerous nieces and nephews. Beth was preceded in death by her husband, Jim and her three brothers, Clyde Witt, Richard Witt and Larry Lassiter. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the respectful and sincere care Beth received from the caregivers at Meadowlark Assisted Living and Madrone Hospice House in Yreka, California. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 18, 2014, at the Etna Cemetery in Etna, California. Relatives and friends are welcome at the service and the luncheon immediately following at the Masonic Lodge located at 11931 East Street in Fort Jones, California. If you cannot attend the graveside services, please still feel free to join us at the Masonic Hall. Contributions in Beth’s name may be made to either Shriner’s Hospitals for Children at 2425 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, California 95817, telephone 916-453-2000; or to Madrone Hospice House located at 255 Collier Circle, Yreka, California 96097.

Mary Elizabeth "Beth" Harris

February 27, 1918 - January 1, 2014