Gerda Claudette Harris

Gerda Claudette (Anderson) Harris, 87, of Lawrence KS passed from this earth December 4, 2023.

She was born in Lindsborg KS, the only child of Anerd Mauritz (Swede) Anderson and B. Laverne (Drogemeier) Anderson.

She married the love of her life, Gilbert (Gib) Harris on January 25, 1957.  Together they had three children, Tracey (Phil) Stout of Fort Collins CO, Trudy Harris of Overland Park KS and Troy (Sarah) Harris of LaSalle Ontario.

She leaves behind three children and their spouses, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her grandson Jake Best.

In addition to being a devoted mother, wife and homemaker, she was a long time employee of Charlton Manley Insurance in Lawrence, KS.

She was an active member of United Methodist Church, PEO Chapter JJ, United Methodist Women.  While raising her children she was also a 4-H leader, Brownie scouts leader, crocheted over 100 caps for newborn babies, and sewed accessible clothing for disabled people.

Her hobbies included knitting, sewing, and crocheting.

Our thoughts concerning our Mother are best expressed by the words of Kahlil Gibran:

The most beautiful word on the lips of mankind is the word “Mother,” and the most beautiful call is the call of “My mother.” It is a word full of hope and love, a sweet and kind word coming from the depths of the heart. The mother is everything – she is our consolation in sorrow, our hope in misery, and our strength in weakness. She is the source of love, mercy, sympathy, and forgiveness.

When asked if there was anything she wanted her family and friends to know she wrote “I am blessed beyond words to have had the privilege to parent three such outstanding individuals; I have enjoyed every minute of that role in my life, even the ‘not so smooth’ portions of it.  The one privilege that equals having been a mother is the joy and privilege it has been to have such a loving, devoted husband all these years.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Lawrence KS, Saint Jude Children’s Hospital, or LUC Boys Ranch may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13th St. Lawrence, KS 66044.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Marquette Methodist Church in Marquette, KS. The family will greet friends an hour prior to the service at the church. Graveside services will follow the service at the Excelsior Cemetery in Marquette, KS.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.