Argie Vida Harrelson

She quit school in the 10th grade due to having rheumatic fever and would later work in the fields as a teenager. She married Edward Ralph Haney when she was 16 years old.

In 1943 as a single mother to her 16-month-old son Leeman and her 1-month-old daughter Linda, she moved to Chualar, CA where she worked in the sheds and restaurants until she was 23 years old and became an employee of Sears Roebuck and Co. She quickly advanced to Head Cashier and worked in Salinas, CA for 17 years and then transferred to Panama City, FL for 22 years retiring at 62 years old.

In 1947 she married Fredie Harrelson and after he passed away, she moved back to Modesto, CA in 2006 to be near her beloved son, Leeman who would pass away one year later.

Vida made friends easily and joined Grace Lutheran Church in Modesto. She was skilled at so many things including crochet, knitting, sewing, ceramic, painting, baking, and her favorite was creating porcelain dolls. Life was good until 2016 when she had her first stroke which took away her movements. She enjoyed a wonderful celebration surrounded by family and friends for her 100th birthday.

Vida is survived by daughter Linda Nall of Salinas, CA; daughter Deanna Knapp Griffin of AL; granddaughter Michelle Costa of TX; granddaughter Sandee (Troy) Mason of Salinas, CA; grandson Mark (Janelle) Haney of Modesto, CA; and granddaughter Suzette Nall of Salinas, CA. Her Great-grandchildren Danielle “Lexi” Costa, Allison & Jessica Mason, and Sophia, Noah & Ella Haney. She is also survived by her AL Grandchildren Tammie, Greg, Douglas & Christine Griffin; Daughter-in-law Pat Haney of TX and her Nieces Melanie Pennino & Tonya Frazier and Nephew Bill Freeman.

She is preceded in death by her parents Zelma and Richard, husband Fredie, son Leeman, brother Jay, sister Gayle Lois Freeman, and sister-in-law Midge.

Thank you to the wonderful nurses of Bristol Hospice and the caregivers at Bethel Retirement Community.