Geneva K Harris

Geneva K. Cook Harris, 78, passed away November 4, 2011 at EIRMC in Idaho Falls due to complications from heart surgery.

She was born May 11, 1933 to Elden and Beryl Killian on a small farm in Goshen, ID.  She was the fourth of seven children.  Some of her fondest memories as a young girl included working hard in the crops with her family members, thinning beats and picking potatoes.  She shared a very special relationship with her father who told her she could do anything.  As a result, she attempted many activities and developed numerous talents some of which include sewing, painting, hair styling, singing, creative writing, gardening, cooking (especially baking bread and cinnamon rolls) and was an avid fan of her children’s activities. 

She married Lewis Alyn Cook on July 19, 1951.  They enjoyed a fruitful marriage for 45 years, and had five children:  Maryia Roberts (Dale), Jimmy Dean (Amy), Rick Alyn (Jody), Arlyn Lee, and Ronda Skinner (Bill).  Alyn lost his ten year battle with cancer on May 17, 1996.  During their marriage, Geneva was successful as a legal secretary, employee of Crook’s Grocery Store, a special education teacher’s aide, manager for Bert’s Restaurant, and a co-owner of a clothing store, G&K Fashions.  Above all, she was an incredible mother.

She married Mont Harris on November 7, 1997 and became a mother to his six daughters as well:  Debbie Rasmussen (Dave), Karen Bingham (Scott), Geri Birdwell (Ron), Diana McIntier (Mike), Paula Hein (Derek), and Amy Joffee (Steven).  They bought a home in Island Park, overlooking Henry’s Lake, and spent their days landscaping (moving tons of rocks), making their cabin a home where everyone was welcome.

She is survived by one sister, Eunice Willis (Dean) and one brother, Dennis (Donna). She has 35 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren with five more on the way.

Geneva was a devout member of the LDS church and served in many different positions in the church.  She was loving, kind, and giving to everyone she came in contact with and was cherished and precious to all.  She also loved to create things with her hands. She had a flair for fashion and recognized beauty in all things.   Most of all she had an extraordinary ability to make ordinary events special.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, November 9, 1:00 pm at Shelley LDS 1st Ward, 184 North Park Street, with a viewing from 11:30 am to 12:40 pm. at the church.  There will also be a viewing Tuesday, November 8, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 West Oak Street, in Shelley. Interment will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery.