Julia Mary Gotheridge Harris, 93, Blue Mound, passed away Jan. 3, 2017, at Olathe Medical Center. Mary was born Dec. 25, 1923, to Daniel H. and Lulu Wilmoth (Freeland) Gotheridge in Culver, Mo., northeast of Butler. In February 1925, at the age of 1, Mary moved with her parents and two brothers to a farm north of Selma, where she lived until she married. She attended Minkler Country School through eighth grade, walking a mile each morning and evening and also met the bus at the school for four more years while completing her education at Kincaid High School, where she graduated in 1941.
Mary met the love of her life, Warren Kenneth Harris, in early 1941. They were engaged before Warren left for the Army Air Corps on Oct. 9, 1942, to serve in World War II. They married on Aug. 2, 1943, in Iola, while Warren was home on leave. Warren was sent to the European Theatre soon after their wedding and they kept in touch by daily letters across the ocean. Warren returned to his love on Aug. 2, 1945, their second wedding anniversary. They then started their life together in a two-room apartment in Blue Mound before renting a farm with a four-room house in 1946. In 1948 they bought a 160-acre farm west of Prairie Valley School near Blue Mound. As finances allowed, they progressively made improvements to their own farmstead until finally moving into a newly completed home there in 1964.
Mary and Warren were blessed with two children, Dennis K. Harris on May 1, 1948, and Jacqueline Sue Harris on Nov. 2, 1950.
Warren and Mary joined Blue Mound Methodist Church together in 1949 and were charter members of the 49’ers Sunday School Class. Mary and Warren worked side by side farming, haying and raising lots of cattle, hogs, bottle calves, pigs and lots of chickens. In turn, Warren would help Mary with housework. They enjoyed working together and were usually seen together whatever the occasion. Mary did lots of sewing for their children and numerous school projects as she was room mother for both children for several years. Mary belonged to Prairie Valley Circle and Blue Mound United Methodist Church. She was a stay-at-home mom and wife. She most enjoyed being with her husband and children. Mary also enjoyed solid walnut furniture and had several pieces which she and Warren purchased at auctions. In her later years, Mary’s hobbies included collecting dolls, dishes, quilts and other interesting items. Mary loved to be busy. She was not an idle person.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Robey and Walter; two sisters in infancy; her husband of over 68 years, Warren; her beloved daughter, Jackie Harris Norris; and a great-grandson, Jaden Terry.
She is survived by her son, Denny Harris, Blue Mound; granddaughter, Angela Kay Harris Terry; and three great-grandchildren, Brandon Terry, Austin Terry and Jenna Terry, all of Louisburg.
Mary said, “Happiness will be being together with Warren and Jackie forever. My biggest worry will be leaving my son Denny.”
A funeral service for Mary will be at 10:30 a.m. today, Jan. 7, at Blue Mound United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Sunny Slope Cemetery. The family suggests contributions to Blue Mound Cemetery Improvement and Beautification Fund in care of the Schneider Funeral Home, P.O. Box J, Mound City, Kansas 66056. Family and friends may leave online condolences at www.schneiderfunerals.com.
Arrangements: Schneider Funeral Home & Crematory, Mound City Chapel.
