Eleanor A. Harris

Eleanor A. Harris, 90, died Monday, February 6, 2012, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital. She was born June 13, 1921, to Leslie and Amy Stiles in Creston, Iowa.

Eleanor graduated from Elk Horn High School and earned her teaching certificate from Iowa State Teacher’s College. She was united in marriage to Koert Smith on May 17, 1941. Koert died November 17, 1965. She later married Melvin Harris on September 23, 1967, who passed away on June 13, 1990.

During her first marriage, she worked with Koert in various grocery stores and later for the State of Iowa. During her marriage to Melvin, she was a teacher’s aide and retired in 1985.

Eleanor was a member of College Avenue Christian Church, was active in Church Women United and a long-time member of Toastmasters International. She was a former board member of Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC).

Eleanor is survived by her children, Koert (Rebecca) Smith of Sun Lakes, AZ, Jane (John) Keeran of Colorado Springs, CO, and Ruth (Chuck) Hanrahan of West Des Moines; step-children, Melvin (Jan) Harris, Jr., of Des Moines, Beverly (Charles) Allen of Ankeny, and Bernard (Arlene) Harris of Des Moines; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and beloved friends.

She was preceded in death by her husbands; daughter, Gwendolyn Gardner; parents; and three brothers.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, February 9, 2012, at College Avenue Christian Church, 4440 College Avenue. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to College Avenue Christian Church or the DMARC.

Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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