Marilyn Sue Harris

Marilyn Sue (Manchester) Harris, age 80, daughter of Solon Francis and Mary Elizabeth (Roper) Manchester was born on December 31, 1934 at Burge Hospital in Springfield, Missouri and departed this life in her home on March 18, 2015, surrounded by her family.
Marilyn grew up and attended Mountain Grove High School graduating in the class of 1952. Marilyn was active in the drum corps, cheerleading, and as editor of the Panther news, making many lifelong friends. She was an avid supporter of the Mountain Grove Alumni Park.
Marilyn was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Don David Harris on May 10, 1952 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. To this union, of 62 years, three children were born: Cindy, Dave, and Carrie.
Marilyn was a citizen of the world with a lifelong thirst for knowledge. A prolific reader, at one time it was said there were few books in the Wright County Library she had not read. She was especially interested in history, family genealogy in particular. She and her sister, Jeanette, made excursions to Utah and the eastern United States collecting extensive family facts and photographs.
Marilyn could get lost for hours down a rabbit hole of family history or among the halls of a fine art museum. Not only did she appreciate all forms of art, but she was an artist in her own right. She was admired for her beautiful quilts and a variety of knitted and crocheted creations, many of which have and will continue to be cherished by her family members.
She enjoyed tending to her beautiful flower gardens and had a knack for painting as well. Marilyn enjoyed a diversity of music, from folk to country to jazz and rock-n-roll, and she played the guitar and banjo.
She loved to travel and experience other cultures first hand. She was known for her wit, intelligence and impeccable taste. She leaves behind a legacy of being a kind, compassionate, and gracious lady.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, infant son, and a son, David Harris.
She is survived by her daughters: Cindy (Gary) Peterson of Mountain Grove, Missouri, and Carrie (Michael) Sapp of Nixa, Missouri; two sisters: Jeanette (Jim) Harris of Paulsbo, Washington, and Mary Beth Mayhew of Springfield, Missouri; two brothers-in-law: James Harris and Ronald (Bonnie) Harris all of Norwood, Missouri; seven grandchildren: Jessica Peterson (Gabe) Blackburn, Matt (Erica) Peterson, David (Mia) Harris, Jared (Darcy) Harris, Jon Harris, Ben (Lindsey) Sapp, and Elizabeth (Preston) Finkle; nine great-grandchildren: Regan and Hudson Blackburn, Theran Peterson, Madilyn and Malia Harris, Kamren Harris, Hayden Cannon, and Brady and Heston Harris; many nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and family who cherished her. She will be greatly missed and always remembered in our hearts.


Visitation: Saturday, March 21, 2015 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home.

Funeral Service: Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 2:00 PM at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home.

Burial: Hillcrest Cemetery, Mountain Grove, Missouri

Memorial Contributions: St. Jude Children's Hospital &/or
Wright County Library (Mountain Grove Branch Children's Program)