Sally Lue Harris

October 18, 1932 –December 6, 2015

Sally Lue Harris had the biggest and most generous heart of any person you could ever find. She loved interacting with people and learning about their cultures and beliefs: never judging, just accepting. She had a strong faith in The Lord and a fellowship with her church members that she truly cherished. She always showed her soft and loving side, but on occasion could show how tough and brave she was.

Sally was born October 18, 1932 in Covina, CA. Her parents were Marion Dodge Danneberger and Ruth Mildren Sapp Danneberger. She was blessed to have a close and loving family that spent time together in a variety of ways. As part of the Seventh Day Adventist Church her family would spend quality time camping in Prescott, AZ, traveling to the beach and mountains, as well as volunteering and gathering donations for the Navajo tribe in Arizona.

Early on, her parents stressed the importance of a strong education, and she definitely took those words to heart. She truly enjoyed the challenges and rewards that a great education can afford oneself. She graduated from La Sierra College in 1954, with her BS as a Medical Technologist. She went to all possible lengths to complete her school assignments, responsibilities, and papers; even composing them by candle light in the quiet of her dorm room while her room mate slept. Also, she made time to release steam by playfully teasing her roommates with treasured stuffed animals dangling out of the dorm room window. She also remained active with the yearbook, poetry society and had a passion for art. She never wanted to stop learning, always keeping her mind open. She furthered her education, earning a Masters Degree in Interior Design in the late 70’s.

Sally married James Taylor Harris in Boulder City, Nevada, on January 19, 1964. They had Jill in the Spring of 1968 and Tim in the Fall of 1970. Sally and Jim raised their family with a great deal of love and respect, and always with plenty of adventures. Sally volunteered for the children’s school for many years, and was at her best in helping out with crafts and bringing “goodies.” She always remained involved with their church, donating whatever she could to underprivileged churches and schools, both near and far. Twice, Sally and Jim went on missions to Honduras as part of the Loma Linda School of Dentistry and Medicine Outreach. They came back full of beautiful stories, having touched the hearts and lives of so many.

She worked as a Medical technologist for 15 years. She was perfectly suited for this role as she was so good with accuracy and patience, and was so proud of it. Another passion of hers was Interior Design. She had her own interior design business for many years, and just loved the chance to be creative. This also allowed her to stay home with her family as they grew. She was able to enjoy and capture so many moments with her kids and grandkids. She was also an active member of the AMT, ASCLS, ASID, S.C.O.R.E., Loma Linda Women’s Dental Auxiliary, ARS, and The Victoria’s Club.

Sally made time for each and every one of her grandchildren. Visiting their school programs, sporting events, and making sure they enjoyed a great variety of experiences. She would take them to visit the beach, mountains, desert, train rides, picking flowers, going on hikes—just too many to mention. She valued her time with the grandchildren more than words can say. They kept her energized and full of life.

Sally had quite the passion for gardening. Roses were her absolute favorite. She had the best roses in town. She was truly at peace tending to her garden and flowers. She just loved the natural beauty that God creates endlessly. She would notice every detail in the day, no matter where she was and made a point to pass this attention to detail on to her children and grandchildren. She passed down her passion of roses to her children and grandchildren. They would pick and bring flowers to her whenever they could. She would just light up at these tender moments.

Music was also a valued and expressive pursuit. Sally would play the organ or lap harp for her congregation in Boulder City for many years. She encouraged her children to participate in music, and would enjoy many a concert through out the years. Recently, she delighted in hearing the musical talents of all her grandchildren.

She and Jim were able to travel around the globe enjoying many beautiful countries and cultures, thusly shaping their own unique perspective. Most of their adventures involved only two wheels, usually on Duo sport motorcycles. There were times when they had to use four wheels, but even then, not all four wheels were on the ground for very long. It was just too boring. Sally was the proud recipient of many birthday gifts—a few motorcycles, an off-road race car, a backhoe, an old International winery truck, and a dump truck. These were finely veiled gifts to Sally that Jim really wanted. She took it in stride, and enjoyed all the adventures that came from these “unique” gifts, except for the dump truck.

Their most favorite trips were to China, New Zealand, and their safari in Africa; all were traversed on motorcycles. They made many a friend on these and other adventures, which included Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and especially the Alps on motorcycles, Australia, South America. It seemed like they always had an adventure lined up before they finished the one they were on. Their adventurous continued well into their 70’s.

Sally passed away on December 6, 2015 from her valiant fight with pancreatic cancer. She is survived by her children Jill and Tim; and her grandchildren Tinley, Kelsey, Treston, Cole, Cormac and Kenzie. A visitation will be held at Acheson & Graham Morturary from 5-8pm on Thursday December 17, 2015, and graveside services will be held at the Riverside National Cemetery at 2pm on Friday December 18, 2015; both in Riverside, California.

Sally enjoyed each and every detail of her life, truly living life to the fullest.

Here is a treasured quote found written in Sally’s hand writing:

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Psalms 18:32.

Also please take some time to Remember Sally's beloved husband Dr. James Taylor Harris by visiting his personal web page at http://www.mem.com/Biography/1991907/16572570/16594722?title=Biography