Ruth Louise Harris

On March 7, 2023, Ruth Louise Harris passed away peacefully at the age of 94 in Redding, California.  She died the day before her husband’s birthday as he died the day before her birthday in 2015.  Perhaps to let us know she was reuniting with him again and they would be dancing together once more. 

Louise was born on September 9, 1928 in LaFlor, Oklahoma to Robert Raymon Connelly and Willia Mae Owens. They moved to Arvada, Colorado when Louise was about 4. There she met Arnold E Harris who had just recently been discharged from the US Marine Corp during WWII. They were married on December 16, 1945 after Louise graduated from high school and moved to Oakland, Ca. where their first child, Arnold Edward Jr was born. They returned to Colorado and then moved to Ukiah, Ca in 1950 and made this town their home to raise their family.

Louise, as she was known by friends, was the mother of three children, however, many people considered Louise their surrogate mother. Her house was the home were all the kids in the neighborhood wanted to hang out. She always ensured that every child who crossed her threshold was safe, healthy, and happy. The neighbors felt so comfortable, they would walk in without knocking just to say hi and hang out at the Harris House.

Louise was an exceptional wife and mother. She cared deeply for her family and neighbors. She did this not out of obligation but because of who she was. Her family always came first and she was the happiest when she was surrounded by them. She was easy going and ready to do whatever anyone wanted to do.

Louise was predeceased by her husband, Arnold Harris, of 70 years and  by her grandson, Todd Harris. She is survived by her 3 surviving children, Ed (Gloria), Mark and Michelle (Ric Piffero),  4 grandchildren (Erica (Devin Jackson) & Calvin Piffero (Brittney), Johnna Jimenez (Walt) and Deanna Crudo (Pete)) and 6 great grandchildren (Jaycee & Kylee Harris, Jaelyn & Jerzey Jackson, Addison Piffero and Gisella Jimenez).

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 24 at 1:00 at Ukiah Cemetery Chapel.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to the local animal shelter in her name as Louise and Arnold were avid animal lovers and always had a rescue dog.