Obituary: Ruth (Meyers) Harris - Class of 1934

MADISON - Ruth M. Harris , age 71, died on Saturday, January 2, 1988, after a long illness, in the home in which she had resided for the past forty years. She was born Ruth Mildred Meyers on October 3, 1916 in Madison, Wisconsin. She was a graduate of Central High School. She married Robert R. (Boomer) Harris on September 29, 1942, in the First Methodist Church in Madison. She played an integral role in his long coaching and teaching career of some forty years throughout the Madison Public Schools. Many, including herself, referred to her as "Mrs. Coach". She is survived by her dedicated husband, Bob in Madison; three devoted children; a son, Bob Harris of Mill Valley, California; a daughter, Ruth Garner of Wheaton, Maryland, and a daughter, Betty Custer of Madison; a son-in-law, Mark Gillingham of Wheaton, Maryland; and a son-in-law, James Corkey Custer of Madison; and a soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Debbie Kelly of Mill Valley, California. She is also survived by four sisters, Dorothy (Les) Emerson of Madison, Welcome (Howard) Wagner of Madison, Helen Guzman of Madison, and Mary (Ray) Waterworth of Waterloo; and also by numerous nieces and nephews. She has also countless friends and neighbors who will miss her greatly. Among them is her dear friend Carol Argue, who was like another sister to her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Ruth Meyers; two brothers, Robert Meyers and David Meyers; and three sisters, Margaret Neesvig, Grace Wodke and Vera Day. Her life will be remembered by all who knew her for her honesty, thoughtfulness, and love. Funeral Services are scheduled for Wednesday, January 6, 1988 at 2:00 p.m. at the MADISON CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY, 7118 Old Sauk Road, near the intersections of Old Sauk and Gammon Roads, with Rev. T. Thomas Nustad and Rev. Jann Weaver officiating. Friends and relatives may call at the CRESS RUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 1988. In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the HospiceCare, for their support these past weeks, or the United Cerbral Palsy of Greater Dane County, with whom her family members have long been volunteers.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 1, 1988.