Lillian Mae Harris

Lillian Mae Harris, born November 25, 1913 passed away peacefully at the age 102 years old in the presence of her loved ones at 9:11 am, Saturday October 1, 2016 at Oak Lane Retirement Community in Grants Pass, Oregon.

Lillian was born in Oakland, California to Clyde and Mary Hamilton. At age 3, she moved with her family to the Ashland and remained until 1928. Lillian then moved with her family to Rogue River where she graduated from high school in 1932. Following high school Lillian worked at the new Lithia Springs Hotel in Ashland for the next five years. On March 19, 1937 she married Franklin Benjamin Harris in Colusa, California. In 1943 Lillian moved back to Grants Pass and remained a resident until her death. She was very proud of her 21 years working for the Southern Oregon Medical Center.

Lillian was an extremely active and driven person that enjoyed family, spontaneous travel, all forms handicraft arts, puzzles and above all BINGO. She traveled annually and loved foreign travel that took her all over the world but she particularly enjoyed visiting relatives in Australia and Hawaii. Lillian kept her mind young by reading and writing. She completed her autobiography in time for it to be published prior to her 90th birthday party at the Ashland Springs Hotel. Joan Momsen would frequently publish small segments of Lillian’s autobiography in the history section of the Grants Pass Daily Courier.

She was a long-time member of the local Fraternal Order of Eagles. Lillian was also very health conscious and a member of T.O.P.S. for many years and traveled to attend many seminars.

Lillian survived by her children Barbara Smith, Harold Harris and Calvin Harris; and, step children Margaret Feetham, Marilyn Watkins and Franklin Harris, Jr.; a brother, Robert 'Bob' Hamilton; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and great-great-great grandchildren. Plus many adjunct family members, such as Joan Momsen and Florence Behyner.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank b. Harris (1964); step-son Erwin Harris, son Arthur Harris and grandson Glenn Smith Jr.

If you wish to honor Lillian Harris through donation, she was a regular donator to the American Cancer Society and the Disabled Veterans.

A funeral service and life celebration will be at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at Hull & Hull. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.