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1925
2021
Angelina Harris of Marvel died May 24, at the age of 96. She was a beloved mother and grandmother who will be remembered for her warmth, wit, and generosity of spirit.
Born in Durango in 1925, Angie was the youngest of twelve children. Alongside her mother, a thrice-widowed immigrant from the Tyrolian Alps region of Austria (now Italy) she raised vegetables and livestock along the Animas River across from what is now the DoubleTree Hotel. At age sixteen, she met Donald Harris at a Grange Hall dance in Breen. He was immediately taken with her, and proposed soon after. They were married June 22, 1942 and remained married sixty-four years, until Donald's death in 2006. While they had their share of hardships, they were a devoted and playful couple who went dancing and held hands into their eighties. He always called her "Babe," and she teased him about his bad driving and loud sneezes. The only joke he never forgave her was when she cut off the head of a rattlesnake and re-coiled its body in the place where he always got out of his truck, causing him to "let out a howl."
Angie was a talented homemaker who could serve an enormous holiday meal with seeming ease. Her pecan pies were legendary. But as skilled as she was in the kitchen, she also had a sharp head for business and was responsible for the daily workings of the family oil-leasing and ranching operations. She was very much a self-taught expert in both fields. She had a passion for learning, and was proud to have earned her GED from Durango High School alongside her youngest son, Greg. She wrote poetry, did her own taxes, and reliably won jackpots in Laughlin. But perhaps she will be most remembered for her comforting back rubs, her cozy house where grandchildren napped on the sheepskin rug, her ready smile, and her unwavering support of her family. She did not indulge in gossip, and treated everyone she knew with the fairness and grace. She was a lifelong Democrat.
Angie is preceded in death by her husband Donald and son Greg. She is survived by daughter Donna Rea and son Russell Harris; grandchildren Rodger Greer, Marlon "Red" Greer, Paul Greer, Jenny Harris, Chris Harris, Amanda Rea, and Ben Rea; great-grandchildren Jake Greer, Malia McKinzie, Daniel Greer, Rebecca Greer, Mariah King, Bryan King, Andee Eiker, Kenric Eiker, Lael Rogers, and Leadah; great-great grandchildren Annabelle Greer, Donald Greer, Atticus Greer, and Odin Grill.
At Angie's request, no service will be held at this time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Oh my goodness , what a love...and a delightful lady!! She was the true pioneer spirit that settled the West. I was charmed with her easy ways, her curious and capable nature, the amazing stories she told and that lovely laugh!! Angie is one of a kind and I am better for knowing her. in peace
Geri Mulligan
Friend
June 13, 2021
I KNOW THERE ARE PLENTY OF ANGIE STORIES, ANYONE WHO KNEW HER HAS SEVERAL. LET ME TELL MINE. SEVERAL YEARS AGO I WAS PLANNING A TRIP TO LAUGHLIN FOR A COUSIN REUNION. I WAS ASKED IF ANGIE COULD RIDE WITH ME AS SHE HADN’T BEEN TO LAUGHLIN SINCE SHE AND DONALD USED TO MAKE REGULAR TRIPS THERE. I HAVE TO ADMIT I WAS A LITTLE HESITANT NOT BECAUSE OF THE COMPANY BUT I DIDN’T KNOW HOW I WAS GOING TO KEEP TRACK OF ANGIE AND MY COUSIN ACTIVITY AT THE SAME TIME. AVIS TOLD ME NOT TO WORRY ABOUT ANGIE, SHE WILL BE FINE, SHE DOES HER OWN THING AND IS WILLING AND ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF HERSELF. SHE WILL PLAY HER FAVORITE MACHINES AND EAT WHEN SHE WANTS, GO ON HER MORNING WALKS, EVEN FIND A PLACE TO HAVE HER HAIR DONE. TRUER WORDS WERE NEVER SPOKEN, I HAD TO TRACK HER DOWN THE NIGHT BEFORE WE WERE TO LEAVE TO MAKE PLANS TO MEET, FOUND HER AT A CONCERT BY THE WAY WITH SOME FRIENDS FROM KINGMAN. ALL TURNED OUT WELL AND THE NEXT DAY AFTER A CASINO BREAKFAST WE WERE ON OUR WAY. WHEN WE STOPPED FOR GAS AND A RESTROOM BREAK ANGIE GOT BACK INTO THE CAR WITH A PACKAGE OF FRITOS AND A COUPLE OF DR. PEPPERS AND SAID “WELL I GOT THAT OUT OF MY SYSTEM”. I DECIDED RIGHT THEN I COULD GO AROUND THE WORLD WITH THIS WOMAN AND I WISH I WOULD HAVE. I WILL NEVER FORGET THOSE FAMOUS WORDS NOR THE WOMAN WHO SPOKE THEM!
Steve Harris and Charley Gremmels
June 11, 2021
Sending our deepest condolences from the family of Tony and Virginia Herrera.
Diane Herrera
Friend
June 7, 2021
She was the most caring and wonderful grandma. Full of life and humor, and always had a sparkle in her eye. She was youthful in spirit at every age, and never stopped learning.
A Rea
Family
June 7, 2021
Sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful lady, always worked with me on many projects, was a weath of information and always willing to teach me what I needed to learn. Alberta
Alberta Blake
Friend
June 3, 2021
Angie, was a dear kind lady with a great laugh. Her love of family and of the land will be a role model for the children of the family.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sweetie Marbury
Friend
June 2, 2021
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