Barbara Mae Harris

Barbara Mae McKenzie arrived at the home of Malcolm and May McKenzie on March 17, 1929, in Renton, WA. She lived a long-fulfilled life of 95 years loving Jesus, her family, and friends. Barbara grew up in North Renton graduating from Renton High School in 1947.

Barbara’s parents bought her a toy piano when she was 3 years old, which fueled her love for music, she went on taking many piano lessons which eventually lead to lessons on the pipe organ. She would take weekly rides on the bus to a downtown Seattle church to learn the craft. Barbara on many occasions accompanied her father who would sing at various functions as a Scottish singer.

Barbara met the love of her life while enjoying a fun night with friends roller skating at the Renton Roller Rink. (which featured a pipe organ for music to skate by). Barbara married Howard E. Harris at the Renton United Methodist Church on a bright September weekend.

Barbara worked for the Boeing Company and Peoples National Bank before starting a family and then later in life she was Head Cashier at B & B Auto Parts until she retired.

Chris Eugene was born to Howard and Barbara in September of 1951. Chris’s life was cut short by an auto accident when he was 19 years old. Gail Ann arrived in October of 1954. In 1974, Gail married Robert R Burton. Barbara was delighted to have a son in the family again. Barbara and family lived their early years enjoying the farm-like setting in Maple Valley and spent time together enjoying life, entertaining, boating, water skiing, camping, and taking vacation trips.

Barbara loved to laugh, have fun, and entertain, and, most of all, talk on the telephone. She also belonged to some women bowling teams enjoying the time with great neighbors and friends. She was The First Baptist Church of Renton’s organist for many years. Playing the pipe organ on Sunday mornings as well as for weddings and funerals.

The most important thing in Barbara’s life was her family. She loved being a grandma and was so proud of each one of her grandchildren Brian, Brandon, and Kayla. Her support went above and beyond, being the biggest fan always there to root them on whether it be sports, dance, Scouts, or school.

She was delighted when each of the grandkids got married and brought three more wonderful people into the family, Kristina, Kimberly, and Mark. Barbara was over the moon delighted when seven additional sweethearts (great grandkids) joined the family Abigail, Tyler, William, Miles, Matthew, Arlo, and Mason.

We will all miss Barbara greatly, her smile, her laugh, and her wit, and love for life with family and friends.