Grandma, You Will Be Remembered!

Vivian (Nichols) Harris (1931 - 2011)

Eva Vivian Nichols Harris, 80, passed away March 11, 2011, in North Logan, Utah, surrounded by her family. She was born Feb. 8, 1931, in Thornton, Idaho, to Cloy and Irma Christensen Nichols. She was the third of four children and spent her early years at the family farm in Thornton. She had many fond memories of her early years on the farm. Among them were her favorite tales of huckleberries and bringing them home to be made into pies. She began her education attending school in a one-room schoolhouse. Following her father's death in 1937, Irma and the children moved to Hyrum, Utah, where she spent the remainder of her childhood. She graduated from South Cache High School in 1949, and attended Utah State University. Vivian married Burton H. Harris on Nov. 16, 1951, in the Logan LDS Temple. They were blessed with six children. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved to share her testimony in her many church callings, including being Relief Society president. Hers was an open home to all, and she particularly loved to sit in her shady yard, visiting with neighbors and friends from out of town. At times her home seemed more like a boarding house for weary travelers, and no one stopped at her home without leaving with some beautiful fresh flowers from her yard, and a homemade meal.Vivian had many talents, and her family was blessed with the finest in music, art and flowers. She dearly loved sharing her talents with neighbors, and made sure there were fresh flowers each Sunday for church meetings. She was also a talented writer and gatherer of genealogy. She has had several of her stories published, but perhaps her best writing was reserved for her children. We all treasure her books and journals, and her great-grandchildren love to hear stories about her life growing up as the only girl with three brothers in Idaho and Hyrum. Her later years were filled with many medical challenges, but through them all she never complained or felt sorry for herself, remaining firm in her testimony of the love of her Savior. She found in her caregivers some of her closest friendships, and although she couldn't leave her house, her home was never empty. She loved and appreciated the many ward members and friends who so selflessly brought the gospel to her. She is an inspiration to all of being able to bear her burdens with dignity and grace. If there was one thing she would want to be remembered for, it would be that she remained faithful to the very end.She leaves behind her loving husband, Burton, children David (Cindy) Harris, Hyde Park; Burton Lee (Pam) Harris, North Logan; Delsa (Steve) Thorne, North Logan; Gary (Valerie) Harris, Manassas, Va.; Alice (Brent) Redd, North Logan; and Karen (Richard) Orgill, Edmond, Okla. She has 21 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She has three brothers, Carroll (Shirley) Nichols, St. George, Utah; Murray (Rose Marie) Nichols, Preston, Idaho; Eugene (Tammy) Nichols, Redding, Calif.Her family wishes to thank her many doctors throughout the years, Intermountain Hospice, and her closest caregivers, Emma Otutaha and Neisha Nelson. We also want to thank Catherine Gorman, Alison Strong, Angie Wilkins and Andrea Bingham for all of your love and care for our mother over the past year. Because of all of you, mom was able to stay in her home and receive the best care possible. We love you all.Services will be held at noon Saturday, March 19, at the North Logan Stake Center at 2750 N. 800 East, North Logan. Friends and family may call Friday, March 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Allen Mortuary of North Logan, 420 E. 1800 North, North Logan, or on Saturday at the Stake Center from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m .Interment will be in the North Logan, Utah, cemetery.In lieu of flowers, Vivian asks to have donations made to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund.