(October 27, 1928 – August 24, 2015)
Ruth Janeen Wasden Harris, 86, peacefully passed away from complications of kidney disease on August 24, 2015. She was born October 27, 1928, in Logan, Utah, to Leonard Orville Wasden and Annie Pearl Berrett, where she spent a happy childhood filled with love, laughter and music. Her family moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho when she was a teenager and she performed in several musical groups.
She met Donald Harris after he heard her playing the piano while attending Ricks College. They married soon after in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on December 20, 1946. Eventually they made their home in Idaho Falls and Shelley, Idaho and continued to raise a growing family of five children.
In 1967, the family moved to Newport Beach, California where they were all involved in a new family retail business which eventually took them to Las Vegas, Nevada. Don and Janeen’s retirement years were spent living in Virgin and then Washington, Utah.
Janeen’s life was defined by her love of family, friends and music. She was happiest surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who all adored her. She was an accomplished pianist and had a beautiful singing voice. She accompanied her husband Don’s singing throughout their married life. She sang with many choirs including the Bluth Chorale, Heritage Choir, and Makin’ Harmony.
Needlework was one of her favorite pastimes and she loved to travel. She and Don saw much of the world together. She was a selfless person who never complained; a true follower of Christ, showing unconditional love to all she knew.
Janeen was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many teaching and leadership positions, family history consultant and ward organist. She and Don served an LDS mission in Nauvoo, Illinois, during the rebuilding and dedication of the temple.
Janeen is survived by her five children: Stephen (Laurie) of Washington, Utah, Randy (Ann) of Arroyo Grande, California, Richard (Karen) of Las Vegas, Nevada, Peggy (Jim) Duncan of Washington, Utah, and Judy (Randy) Gelter of Kaysville, Utah; 29 grandchildren (including step grandchildren); 87 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother, L. Berrett Wasden, and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services
- Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 29, at 11 a.m. at the Buena Vista LDS Stake Center, 860 North Fairway Drive, Washington.
- A visitation will be held Friday, 6-8 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George and Saturday, 9-10:30 a.m. at the Buena Vista Stake Center Chapel.
- Interment will follow at the Washington City Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary,435-673-4221. Please visit the Metcalf Mortuary website for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.