Ann Lou Harris
Anna Lou (McClelland) Harris
December 22, 2019 – November 4, 2018
Anna Lou (McClelland) Harris was born on December 22, 1919 and passed away on November 4, 2018 at age 98. She was a 70-year-long resident of Watonga after moving there in 1948. She was a graduate of Oklahoma State University and a member of Chi Omega Sorority. It was at the Chi O house that she met a house boy named Brice and would ultimately become a Navy wife when they wed shortly before the end of the war. She led an active life raising children with Brice, former President of Wheeler Brothers Grain Company, who preceded her in death in 1989. Anna Lou was very involved in her community working in the early years of the Cheese Festival, as a member of PEO, the Watonga Book Review Club, as a Cub Scout Den Mother, a member of the Outlook Club and the Ruth Circle at the Watonga Methodist Church. After teaching both Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, Anna Lou taught Home Economics for more than a decade at Watonga High School. After retiring, she continued as a volunteer tutor at the Watonga Grade School for many more years, and became an avid golfer.
In addition to her husband, Brice, Anna Lou is preceded in death by her son, Steven McClelland Harris. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Lou Ann and Sam Avant of Skiatook, her son and daughter-in-law, Brice and Barbara Harris of Fair Oaks, California and her daughter-in-law, Karen Harris of Watonga. She is also survived by her grandchildren Aubra (Avant) Drybread, Aaron Avant, Brice Harris IV, Trevor Harris, and Rebecca (Harris) Mathews, Sarah (Harris) Krittenbrink, Anna (Harris) Kroner, Beth (Harris) Pope, Kristie Harris, as well as fourteen great grand-children.
Anna Lou will be terribly missed by all her family and friends. She was a role model to all of us in both how she lived life to the fullest and always found time to give to others. When interviewed at age 90 she stated, “I think all people who live in a town should volunteer in one form or another and not just be takers but also givers.” She infused that philosophy in all of us she leaves behind and we will be forever grateful for her love and devotion to her family and her community.
Services for Mrs. Harris will be held at the Watonga Methodist Church at 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 7, 2018. She will be interned next to her husband, Brice and near her son, Steve, at the Watonga I.O.O.F. Cemetery immediately following the funeral.
