Theo Greco Harris

BURLEY – Theo Greco Harris was born on Oct. 1, 1916, in Richfield, Sevier County, Utah, the middle one of seven children born to John Olaf and Laura Ann Sorensen Greco. All of her siblings preceded her in death. Just four days short of her 97th birthday, Theo passed away on Friday evening, Sept. 27, 2013, at the Rosetta Assisted Living facility surrounded by her loving family. This amazing lady was never a patient in a hospital until after her 90th birthday!

Theo spent her earliest years in Richfield until the family moved to Idaho by train when she was five years old. She began her education at the Southwest School.

Theo married Myron Phillips Harris on Oct. 1, 1939, in Burley. Their family was blessed with seven children, JoAnn (Gary) Thomas of Greeley, Colo., Ray (Shirley) Harris of Twin Falls, Patti (Mike) Blankenship of Murtaugh, Sharon (Milton, deceased) Davidson of Burley, John G. Harris (deceased), Gary (Helen) Harris of Wellsville, Mo., and Michael (Peggy) Harris of Woodland, Wash.

As a devoted lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served her church in many ways – as a Primary teacher, a Young Womens leader, as well as several years of service to the Family History Library in Burley.

Theo helped prepare for the opening of the new Merc Department Store when it opened in Burley, and then worked in the fabric department there for all the years it was open, and even helped with the closing inventories. Her associations there helped fuel several handiwork hobbies. She left a legacy of handmade treasures – crocheted bedspreads, doilies, afghans, clothing, Christmas tree ornaments and tablecloths, stuffed dolls and teddy bears, hand-tied quilts and handmade clothing. Over the years, she tried her hand at almost any and every handcraft that she found a pattern for! The handmade teddy bears and dolls that she donated to the police department found their way to children who were injured in accidents, so her talents were shared far beyond her personal family.

Although she never obtained a driver’s license of her own, she found great joy in traveling any time she had the opportunity. Whether it was a long vacation to distant states, camping or a picnic in the mountains – or even a ride around town, she was always happy to go! Her children and grandchildren provided many of these excursions for her, creating a wealth of happy memories.

Theo is survived by six of her children as well as 24 grandchildren; 65 great-grandchildren; 60 great-great-grandchildren; and four great-great-great-grandchildren.

Theo’s family would like to thank her many kind friends for their care and concern for her, especially the past few years. The staff at Rosetta Assisted Living is an exceptionally special group of wonderful people who took care of Mom / Grandma with tender compassion and love for more than five years. They have become like family, and we cannot thank them adequately.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at the Burley LDS Stake Center, 2050 Normal Ave., in Burley. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church.