Joyce Elaine (Loomis) Harris, 87, died on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, at her home in Moorhead. She was born Jan. 26, 1933, to Thomas and Augusta (Rathbun) Loomis in Onawa. She grew up in Onawa and attended school there. Joyce married Maynard Harris Jan. 15, 1952, at the Little Brown Church in Vermillion, S.D. The couple lived and farmed east of Moorhead. Joyce worked as the secretary at the Midwest Iowa Alcohol & Drug Abuse Center in Onawa. She then became the bookkeeper and retired as executive director of the three regional offices. After retirement, Joyce, with the help of Maynard, worked at the Midway Tavern for Steve. Joyce also took care of shipping of the many books authored by her daughter-in-law, Shon. Joyce lost her love of 59 years when Maynard passed away on Nov. 25, 2011.
Joyce was a member of the Moorhead Christian Church, was active in the women’s circle and served as a Deacon. She enjoyed playing Bridge and hosting parties. She loved to dance with Maynard and travel to Las Vegas ~especially the Golden Nugget. Joyce dressed to a “T” and loved her jewelry. She never missed a phone call to her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids on their birthdays and anniversaries.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; husband Maynard Harris; two sons, Steve and Tom Harris; daughter-in-law, Shon Harris; brother, Tom Loomis; and two sisters, Patricia Cooper and Mary Jane Loomis. She is survived by two children, Joni Swenson of Spirit Lake and David Harris and his wife Johana of San Antonio, Texas; son-in-law, Kevin Swenson of Soldier; daughter-in-law, Sandy Harris of Soldier; 13 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
A family funeral service was held on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, at the First Christian Church in Moorhead. Rev. Chuck Snow and Rev. Marsha Smith presided over the service. The musicians were Conni Anderson and Sam Johnson. The musical selections were “The Old Rugged Cross” and “The Lord’s Prayer”. Recorded musical selections were “Where I find God” by Larry Fleet and “Your Love Defends Me” by Matt Mahar. The pallbearers were Chad Harris, Kami Burghardt, Brent Harris, Tara Payson, Clint Harris, Christopher Harris, Rick Harris, Casey Pape, Dana Heistand, Kelly Swenson, Kyle Swenson, Nicolas Moya and Sophia Rosser. Joyce’s final resting place is at Spring Valley Cemetery outside of Moorhead.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
