Clara G. (Howard) Harris

WICHITA - Clara G. Harris, 96, former longtime resident of Salina, passed away Saturday, April 17. 2021 surrounded by her beloved family at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS. She was born May 22, 1924 in Sterrett, AL to Kate and Hardy Howard. She was united in marriage to Oscar Carey Harris on July 1, 1949, in Las Cruces, NM. She had been a resident of The Regent Independent Living Center in Wichita, KS since September 2018.

Clara was a Godly woman who loved and supported her husband of 69 years before his passing. She was a strong, loving mother who skillfully provided a stable home no matter where her family was stationed as she cared for two sons while her beloved husband served his country in the Air Force for 22 years. Following O.C.’s retirement from the USAF, the family settled in Salina and Clara enjoyed being a homemaker and getting very involved with activities in her church.  She also worked for a time as the manager of the Base Exchange at Schilling Air Force Base.  Clara enjoyed decorating her home, entertaining, spending time with friends and family, playing cards, crocheting, and attending Bible studies and social events at church. She loved to help or serve others and was a friend to many. Clara was known for always looking beautiful with stylish clothes, accessories and shoes. However, her true beauty came from inside and the personal relationship she had with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Clara was preceded in death by her husband O.C. and her brother Clifford Howard. Survivors include her sons, DeWayne Harris (Jan), of Granbury, TX and Bruce Harris (Teri), of Wichita, KS; grandchildren, Rachel Bryan (Phillip), Jennifer Finlay (Sean) and Elizabeth Bengston (Justin); and great-grandchildren, Skylar, Layla, Lauryn, Noah, Ellie and Caleb.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 24, at First Southern Baptist Church, 2401 S. Ohio, Salina, KS.

Memorials may be made to First Southern Baptist Church Youth Camps in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina, KS 67401.

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