Primrose Ruth Harris

Primrose Ruth Harris, 85, passed away peacefully at her home on March 19, 2015. Ruth was born on February 8, 1930 in Hanover, Arkansas to Sidney and Margaret Mullins. Ruth worked in the cotton fields from a young age where she met her future husband. While returning from a day working in the fields, Ruth was asked to sit in the front seat by the driver, who was none other than Willie James Harris (Bill).

On January 12, 1946 Ruth and Bill were married, after a courtship, in Paragould, Arkansas. Because the legal age to wed was 16, Ruth had to fudge about her age because she was only 15. In 1948, Ruth and Bill came to Washington State and soon after, their family followed. Ruth and Bill both worked numerous h=jobs in the fruit industry until 1952. While Ruth was still in the fruit industry, Bill moved to a job in the automobile business working as salesman at Inland Motor Co. They saved half of every paycheck until they were able to fulfill their dream of opening their own car lot in 1953. While Bill ran the family business, Ruth continued to work in the fruit industry until 1955 when she joined Bill full-time at Bill’s Used Cars. During these years she also welcomed and raised 6 children.

During Ruth’s life, she had to endure the loss of two of her sons, Larry in 1960 from cancer, and Daniel in1974 from a car accident. Even through her hardships, Ruth never lost the love for her family. She was a selfless, caring individual who always looked out for others needs before hers. Her true caring nature was really brought to light when her husband Bill suffered from a heart attack and had multiple strokes leaving his wheelchair bound. For the next 11 years, Ruth became Bill’s 24-7 caregiver. During this time, they became avid Mariner and tennis fans, with Serena Williams being her favorite player. Even more the Mariners and Serena, she was a fan of any sport her grandchildren played, and hardly missed a game. Ruth and bill were also big softball fans and they could be seen watching a game nearly every weekend.

In December of 2011 Ruth was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. During cancer treatments she lost the love of her life, Bill, in December of 2012. Her character and positive outlook never wavered through these tough times. For the last two years of her life, she enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. She looked forward to her walks around the neighborhood, her crosswords with her cup of coffee and her cigarette, watching TV, and there was always a jigsaw puzzle on her table. More than anything, Ruth loved visiting with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was honored and overjoyed that on her 85th birthday she was able to cut the ribbon for the grand opening of Primrose Plaza surrounded by her loved ones.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband Bill Harris, her sons Larry and Daniel Harris, her parents Sidney and Margaret Mullins, her brother Willis Mullins, and her sisters Mary Pearson, Margaret Hendrickson, and Helen Rozenburg. Ruth is survived by her sons Steve (Rhoda), Bill (Laura), Brian (Fran), her daughter Stephanie Sutton (Jerry), her grandchildren Nikki Hunter, Daphne King (Bill), Darrell Chard (Melissa), Ivy Durfee (Jon), Ann Grajeda (Gary), Sarah Harris, Amy Helms (Kyle), Katey Harris, William Harris, Jason Sutton (Haley), Jenna Sutton, Emily Escamilla (Daniel), Samantha Harris and 14 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers Walt Mullins (Mary Ann) and Leo Mullins, sisters Janette Lambert and Trease Ellison, brother-in-law Delbert Harris, and sister-in-law Estelle Hagey. The family would like to thank Dr. Albert Brady, Yakima Regional Hospice, and all her loving caregivers.

The viewing will be Sunday, March 22, 2015 from 3:00 – 7:00 pm at Keith & Keith Funeral Home on 9th Avenue. Funeral services will be Monday, March 23, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Keith & Keith Funeral home. A burial service will follow at West Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made out to your favorite charity.

To share a memory of Ruth, please visit www.keithandkeith.com