Mary M. Harris

Mary M. Harris, age 83, a long time Osage, MN area resident, passed from this life to eternal life on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga, MN. Mary was born on February 12, 1933 in Granville, ND to James A. and Alice I. (Richards) Byers.  It was in this area that she attended the Granville Public school, graduating with the class of 1951.  She then went on to earn her teaching degree at the State Teachers College in Minot, ND and graduated in 1953.  On June 14, 1953 Mary was united in marriage to L. Robert Harris.  This union was blessed with three children: Barbara, Mark and David.  For many years Bob worked for the Calvert Oil Company drilling oil wells throughout North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and Texas.  In 1965, Bob and Mary started their own oil business, known as the Texakota Oil Company, which they operated until 1978.  While living in Texas, Mary taught remedial reading to disadvantaged students and also tutored at the MB Anderson Cancer Hospital in Houston.  In 1963, the family purchased a farm northwest of Osage, where Mary has resided right up to the present time.  Mary devoted herself to making a warm and loving home for her husband and children.  She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be remembered for her delicious homemade chicken and noodles.  Mary’s life was deeply saddened by the untimely death of her husband 1996.  Mary enjoyed working with her hands quilting and doing embroidery.  She enjoyed meeting with her friends for coffee each day in Osage.  Mary will be lovingly remembered by her three children: Barbara (Roger) Wilson of Ponsford, Mark (Jane) Harris of Detroit Lakes, MN and David (Linda Swanson) of Osage; six dearly loved grandchildren: Jason, Justin and Adam Wilson and Jack, Andy and Emma Harris; seven precious great grandchildren: Brody, Violet, Rachel, Kylee, Monica, Thomas and Caitlin; one sister, Nita Borick of Las Vegas, Nevada; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, L. Robert; one brother, Lloyd; and two sisters: Bee and Bea. Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at Grace Community Church in Osage officiated by Pastor Paul McKibben and Pastor Ken Polley.  Congregational hymns will be “How Great Thou Art”, “The Old Rugged Cross”, “In the Garden” and “Just a Closer Walk With Thee”.  Casket bearers will be grandchildren: Jack Harris, Andy Harris, Emma Harris, Jason Wilson, Justin Wilson and Adam Wilson.  Honorary casket bearers will be Rod Lydell, Gary Tigue, Doc Blanchard, Donny Tretbar, Carl Boyd, Dean Anderson, Dan Breitbach and Paul Nilson.  Visitation will be held 5 to 8 PM Monday, May 2, 2016 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and beginning one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.  Interment will be made at Linnell Cemetery near Ponsford.  A luncheon will be hosted by the church for all who attend following the service.