Our beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend, Lorraine Harris, passed away on March 14, 2022 at her home in Queen Creek, Arizona at the age of 67 after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Lorraine was born on May 29, 1954 in the front seat of the family station wagon when her parents were en route to the hospital in McNary, Arizona. She was raised on a dairy farm in Taylor, Arizona as the fourth of seven children of Jay and Louise Hatch. She had an idyllic, small-town all-American upbringing and learned the value of hard work early on as she helped her mother around the house and watched her dad and brothers work 12 hour days at the family dairy farm. She graduated from Snowflake Union High School in 1972 and moved to Mesa to begin a job as a directory assistance operator for Mountain Bell. At the age of 17 she met Jack Harris on a blind date, and after a year and a half of courtship the two were married for time and eternity in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on June 8, 1973. They soon began their family and had four children that were the pride and joy of her life: Kevin (Rinna) Harris, Kristie (Adam) Merrill, Chad (Megan) Harris, and Todd Harris. She has been blessed with 19 grandchildren and an eternal, ever-growing posterity.

Lorraine was the epitome of a mother and was the glue that bound her family tightly together. She treasured each of her children and grandchildren. She was known to communicate with them on a daily basis—sometimes for hours at a time—and was always aware of even the smallest details of their lives. She was a wonderful cook and loved gathering together with her family, especially on holidays, birthdays, special occasions, and Sunday dinners. She had a zest for life and enjoyed cleaning, sewing, decorating, being a mother and homemaker, and creating a beautiful, Spirit-filled home and loving relationships.

She was a choice woman who had a unique blend of being classy and refined yet down-to-earth without any conceit, aloofness, or pretense. She reached out to show genuine kindness, love, and friendship to everyone she met. She made lifelong friends with people from all demographics and walks of life. It was not uncommon for her to strike up a conversation and become instant friends with total strangers—store clerks, waitresses, bank tellers, new neighbors, and anyone she encountered. She made everyone around her feel loved and special, and devoted her life to serving others and helping them feel of her love and the love of the Savior. Her good-natured countenance was filled with laughter, life, and peace. She was so refined and beautiful, and yet so approachable and genuine. She really was the best of all worlds. A completely devoted mother and grandmother, a true disciple of her Savior Jesus Christ. “[B]e thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12.

She was patriotic and had a love for her country and the principles upon which it was founded.

She was a lifelong and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many capacities over the years including in Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society. She had a strong faith in her Savior Jesus Christ. She made the world a better place through her gift of uplifting, encouraging, giving comfort, strengthening, and touching countless hearts and lives. She was steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works. Her example of faith and devotion to God and Jesus Christ will bless her posterity throughout this life and eternity. “Eternity [is] our covering and our rock and our salvation.” Abraham 2:16.

Although we sorrow in her passing, our hearts are full with the legacy she left us and the knowledge that families are forever and we will be with her again. We love you Grandma!

She is survived by her sisters Carol and Peg, her brothers John and Wes, her loving husband Jack, her sons Kevin and Chad, her daughter Kristie, and 19 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Jay and Louise, her sister Yvonne, her brother Roy, and her youngest son Todd. We rejoice in knowing she is now reunited with them on the other side of the veil.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 24, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse located at 3307 S. Greenfield Rd. in Gilbert, Arizona. Another viewing will be held at that same location on Friday, March 25, 2022 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will be on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
Reed Hatch Memorial Cemetery in Taylor, Arizona.

 Memories of Lorraine and condolences may be sent to the family at jhhcyy@gmail.com.