Rita L. Harris

Rita L. Harris, 89 of Centralia passed away December 10, 2013 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia. Mrs. Harris was born January 16, 1924 in Centralia, daughter of Louis Cerny and Emma (Vigler) Cerny. She married Basil Harris on April 30, 1949 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centralia and he preceded her in death on July 27, 2001. She is survived by a son, Kevin Harris and wife Laurie by Palatine, IL; four daughters; Barbara and Mike Gallagher of Lockport, IL; Melinda Williams of Sandoval, IL; Diana and Erv Gasser of Hansville, WA and Paula and Jeff Reinkensmeyer by Collinsville, IL; 11 grandchildren; Tyler, Krystal, Kimberly and Patrick Harris; Christopher and Caralyn Williams; Andrew Gallagher and wife Stephanie, Katelyn Johnson and husband Robert; Laurie Wood and husband Jesse, Nicholas Gasser and Brandon Reinkensmeyer; 3 great-grandchildren: Adriana Fulton, Raylynn Williams and Jetson Wood; two brothers: Ralph Cerny of Texas and Donald Cerny and wife Norma of Florida; a sister, Mildred Lenz of Rolling Meadows, Illinois; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son, Stephen Harris, a brother, Jerry Cerny, a sister, Marilyn Eversgerd, and a son-in-law, (Butch) Donald Williams. Rita worked at Murray Center for 20 ½ years. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centralia, the Rosary Prayer Group, the Alter Sodality and the Catholic Daughters. She enjoyed crocheting and playing BINGO at Heritage Woods. Most of all she loved spending time with her family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all her friends at Heritage Woods. Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Harris will be held Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centralia with Father Justin Olisaemeka. Visitation will be held from 5-7 P.M. on Friday, December 13, 2013 at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with prayer service being held at 5:00 P.M. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial Donations may be made to St. Mary’s School or Church and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com

Rita L. Harris

January 16, 1924 - December 10, 2013