Obituary of Elizabeth Harris

Elizabeth Clark Harris, 88, of State College, formerly of Boalsburg, died peacefully on July 13, 2012, at The Atrium at The Village at Penn State in State College. Born Aug. 6, 1923, in Delmont, she was the daughter of Edward Thomas Clark and Sarah Lillian Dunmire Clark. She spent her early life in western Pennsylvania, residing in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. Following her graduation from New Kensington High School in 1941, she worked as a secretary in the trust department of the First National Bank in New Kensington. On Dec. 26, 1946, in New Kensington, she married David Errett Harris, who preceded her in death on March 21, 2012. Elizabeth was a long-time resident of Boalsburg, having moved to the State College area with her husband in 1949. Interested in sewing from an early age, she was an outstanding seamstress who enjoyed making clothing for herself and her family. She excelled at other forms of needlework as well, including knitting and quilting, and spent many happy hours working in her flower and vegetable gardens. Elizabeth was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in State College, where she belonged to the Friendship Class and the United Methodist Women (Circle 3). She is survived by her children, Beth H. McMullen and her husband, Timothy, of Noblesville, Ind., M. Jane Harris, of State College, David C. Harris and his wife, Jo Ann, of Millersville, and Robert S. Harris, of Pleasant Gap. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Christopher D. Harris and his wife, Trista, of Cochranville, Brian M. Harris and his wife, Ellie, of Waco, Texas, Erin McMullen Jonaitis and her husband, Graham, of Madison, Wis., and Matthew C. Harris, of Spring City; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Jack M. Clark, of Indianapolis, Ind.; and one sister, Barbara Ann Clark Condon of Hillsdale, Mich. Her tenth great-grandchild is expected in August. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Edward S. Clark, D. Keith Clark, and Richard D. Clark; and a daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Formica Harris. A celebration of Elizabeth's life will be held at the convenience of the family. Details will be announced at a future date. Memorial contributions may be made in Elizabeth's name to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 109 McAllister Street, State College, PA 16801. Online condolences may be made at www.kochfuneralhome.com.