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Avis Mercedes Harris was born December 1, 1923 in Marvel, Colorado as the second child of Chester C. and Irene Warner Harris.
She grew up at Marvel, where she graduated from high school and went on to 2 years at Ft. Lewis College, when it was located in Hesperus. She received a teacher's certificate at 19, then returned to Marvel school to teach students who were not much younger than she.
She helped the effort of WWII, working in the shipyards in California, for Western Pipe and Steel Company, during her summer vacation from teaching.
After one year at Marvel, she moved to Radium, CO., where she taught school for another 2 years. After teaching there, she went to La Plata, NM, for the school year 1946-1947.
She and her husband, Earl Harris, owned a trading post at Burntwater, near Careno Canyon, AZ. Their daughter, Karen was born in Ganado, AZ. The family then moved back to La Plata, NM., where Avis taught for the school year 1948-1949. After moving back to Marvel, her son, Steve was born. She then began working as a deputy to the La Plata County Assessor, Emil Johnson. When Emil retired, she was appointed to fill the vacancy for Assessor. In 1974, she won the office for County Clerk and Recorder. She then went on to work in the School District 9R Administration, where she worked until she quit to care for her elderly mother.
Avis loved playing softball, and played until she was 50 years old. She bowled for many years and had her share of 200 games. She enjoyed watching the Broncos and Rockies. She never missed a Kentucky Derby party, or for that matter, an opportunity to go to the casino. She loved playing cards. She played with family and friends every Friday, right up to her last Friday, when it was discovered she'd had a stroke. Even in the Hospice wing of Mercy Hospital, among her last words were, "We were going to play cards today."
She left this earth as she lived: with love in her heart and a gratitude for a wonderful life.
She is survived by: daughter, Karen (Sid) Leavell; son, Steve (Charley) Harris; grandson, Ryan (Tegan) Malarsie; sister, Ramona Cugnini.
She was preceded in death by husband, Earl Harris; brothers, Donald and Jack Harris.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Avis's name, to the La Plata County Humane Society or Mercy Hospice House. As per her request, her remains have been cremated and no services will be held.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.
My heart is aching as I just learn of Avis' passing. My apologies for it being so late. My prayers & condolences go out to her family. I always thought of you and will always remember you so fondly and your love of the kitties. Every time that I came to your house, there was always a cat for me to pet and love. Maybe that is where I got my love of cats.
I hope that you andy mom are up there playing cards and still going to the derby every year!
I will miss you dearly Avis (my God mother) & always your license plate...a true La Plata treasure.., V V - 7. I will never forget that plate.
MJ Payne
January 6, 2019
My Love goes to all of you, since I was around 6 yrs old and this year I will be 70 Avis has been so much a part of my life, her Mom and Dad raised me and I owe so much to all of them, I always called Avis or Monie on the 3rd. of every January cause it was her Moms [Granny's] birthday,I called Monie yesterday it was the 3rd. I will miss not talking to her about how our Broncos are doing,
TONY vigil
January 4, 2018
I was so blessed to have know and work with avis in the county court house when she was the assessor. We had some really good times and will think of her always with her beautiful laugh and caring ways.
Condolences to all of her family.
Emily Chilton
November 21, 2017
Hi Karen and Sid--
I was so sorry to hear about your Mom. Though I didnt know her well, she was always so nice and never failed to have a smile on her face. I know my Mom really enjoyed bowling with her and thought she was a neat lady. Hope you are both doing well. God bless you.
Lynne Atkins Bodo
November 20, 2017
Ellen and Glenna Hill Our hearts and prayers are with you in your loss
November 20, 2017
My dear sweet Avis
Thank you for the joy and laughter you brought into my life .
Every minute spent with you was a blessing . I know you will keep
them all laughing in heaven . I will miss you my friend ...
Debra Cugnini
November 18, 2017
Avis in the county clerk's office was always ready to help out a young lawyer beginning his practice in Durango in the early seventies. May she rest in peace.
November 17, 2017
Karen and Steve, very sad to hear of Avis' passing. We always had great fun. WE had a great time in NM. Will miss the pinto beans and playing cards. I'm sure Avis is going fine, telling "jokes" and enjoying watching over you and your families. Sending prayers and good thoughts. Kathleen Ross Denver
November 17, 2017
Avis was a true original, maybe the smartest, funniest, and most memorable person I've every known. I'm so grateful for the times we spent together. My heart goes out to her dearest family, Karen, Sid, Steve, Charlie, Ryan, and Monie. She will be missed.
A Rea
November 17, 2017
Karen, I am so sorry for the hole that has arrived in your life space. Losing one's Mom is just about the hardest thing to handle. When we lose our Mom, we're acutely aware of the umbilical cord that connects us for life and through death. It sounds like your Mom was one special lady and many will miss her presence in their lives. I wish you peace as you walk through this life changing event.
November 17, 2017
Karen I am so sorry for your loss your mom was a great lady she loved the Kentucky derby and was always elegant in a hat.. She will be truly missed...now she is at the big card game in the sky.. Your friend. Bobbie Jo
Bobbie Lucero
November 17, 2017
Avis was my cousin and mentor. I loved her with all my heart. She would do anything for anybody. Will miss her with all my heart. Loved her Dixie.
Dixie Hoole
November 16, 2017
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