Lavelle Harris

LaVelle Harris, age 93, of La Grande, died March 9, 2007 of natural causes. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2007 at Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

LaVelle was born on April 6, 1913, the daughter of Alton and Josephine (Cavin) Hogoboom in Baker, Oregon. She attended school in Baker, Walla Walla and Pendleton. She also lived in Huntington, Wallowa County, Portland and Susanville, California but spent most of her adult life in Union and La Grande.

LaVelle, known affectionately as "Grandma Belle", had many interests and was talented at drawing, singing, playing the piano, sewing, crocheting and cooking. LaVelle's biggest love, however, was her family and friends. From being present at the birth of a friend's baby (Happy Birthday Darell!) to soothing an ill great-great grandchild, LaVelle could always be counted on to help where she was needed.

LaVelle is survived her sons and their wives, Robert and Norma Van Houten of Richland, Washington and Jim and Chris Harris of Marsing, Idaho; grandchildren, Desiree' See and Mark Loree, Jeannie VanHouten-Matheison, Jeff VanHouten, Paul Harris and Brandon and Samatha Harris; great grandchildren, Mandy Berry and Seth Nadeau, Dawn McLaughlin, Kyira McLaughlin, Kimberly See, Reed Matheison, Shontel Krantz and Seymone; great-great grandchildren, Kye Berry, Deven Kohler, Zoe Christy, Makenna Berry, Neki Krantz, Hannah Krantz, Anthony Nadeau and Trinity; and adopted grandsons, Rick Founds, Colton Christy, Shaun Berry and Stephen O'Connell. LaVelle was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Richad VanHouten, her second husband Paul Harris and daughter Linda VanHouten See.

The family thanks the staff at Hospice, Grande Ronde Retirement, Grande Ronde Hospital, Dr. Rice and Dr. Clarke for their care and support these past years. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the GRH Hospice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon.