Mrs. Duane Harris Died Suddenly Last Saturday-Wife of Blair Merchant Had Been Ill A Short Time

Mrs. Duane Harris, well known Blair woman and wife of the owner of the Harris Shoe Store and the Blair Bootery, died Saturday at Memorial Community Hospital. She had been in failing health for several weeks.

Although a victim of polio for seventeen years, she was exceptionally active in many community affairs and she filled many places in local organizations.

Loretta Rita Harris was born August 24, 1918 at Dodge, Nebraska and she grew up in that community. She was 51 years old at the time of her death.

She was married to Duane Harris, of Fremont and she became the mother of two sons, Douglas and David Harris, both of Blair. Mr. and Mrs. Harris moved to Blair about twenty years ago to operate the shoe store and this has become their home.

She is survived by her husband, Duane and by sons Douglas and David and by her father, Henry Lhotak.

In 1952 she suffered an attack of polio and was hospitalized for considerable time. Later she improved but was permanently confined to a wheelchair.

Despite her handicap she took an active interest in the many things. She kept books at the shoe store, and also assisted a number of organizations. She became almost indispensable at telephone work and similar services. She assisted with the Chamber of Commerce, the Blair Golf Club, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Hospital, the Rummage Sales and many other things.

Rosary services were held Monday evening at the Campbell Mortuary and funeral services followed at 10 o’clock Tuesday morning at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church. Father Daniel Brick conducted the services and burial, under the direction of the Campbell Mortuary, was made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Robert Fleming, William Booton, Buck Burke, Harry Hancock, of Blair, John Harvey, Floyd MacKenzie and Howard Hook of Fremont.

Find A Grave Memorial# 115057657