Rebecca J. Harris
Rebecca J ( Becky) Harris, 69
Passed away peacefully on Friday August 16, 2024 surrounded by family. Becky was born February 25, 1955 to Orville Alfred and Erma Jean (Connell) Knisely. Becky and her birth family recently received recognition by the Syracuse Wawasee Community Foundation as members of a Centennial family.
Becky grew up on Kale Island where she worked as a teen at the Band K Root Beer stand. In her early high school years she joined the local Sea Explorer program lead by Dr Jack Clark and future father in law Charlie Harris.
Michael Harris and Becky dated through out high school. Becky graduated in 1973 from Wawasee and attended college at Ball State where she attained her teaching degree in Special Education.
During her college years she joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and has served in many callings including Adult Sunday School teacher and as a member of the presidency of the Relief Society a charitable arm of the church.
Becky married Michael at the Washington DC Temple of their church on September 14th 1979. They have two beautiful children Christopher (Kallie) Harris and Abigail (Matt) Slone and a granddaughter, Winifryd.
In addition to her husband and children Becky is survived by two brothers Orville Lynn and Richard J Knisely and sisters Shirley and Louise. And sisterly friend Janele (Raymond) Coyle.
Becky taught at Cardinal Services and as a teachers aide at Wawasee Middle School after raising her children and while renewing her teaching license. Later she taught in the Goshen system until 2014 when she retired due to disability.
Since her retirement she has continued to service the sisters of the church and many others by making and giving away craft items and sending encouraging notes.
Becky loved animals particularly her grandpets and her beloved Flash and Rita.
Following a private burial a Memorial service will be held at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse. On Sept 14th the couples 45th Anniversary at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Rebecca Harris Funeral Fund through the funeral home, L.I.T.E. Transitional Services, Milford or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.