Fern Irene Harris, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend of many passed away April 13th, 2024, at the age of 98. A longtime resident of Pasco, she was born at home in Plummer, Idaho on September 24, 1925. She was the eighth of twelve children born to Francis Richard Knopp and Rosa Maria Dorethea Hirschel. Fern and her siblings moved several times during her childhood, finally ending up in Marlin, Washington.

As a child in the depression era Fern learned to enjoy working hard and never waste anything. She carried with her lessons learned from the depression throughout her life. She was firm in her convictions with very little room for a gray area. Fern attended Pasco High School, participated on the debate team, and graduated in 1948. Following high school, she briefly attended Washington State College studying pharmacology.

On July 24, 1949, Fern married Alvin Harris in Marlin Washington. They were the fourth Knopp/Harris union. Fern and Alvin celebrated 73 wonderful years together. They managed a large family farming business for about fifty years, early on with all of their eight children participating. In those years, Fern became the keeper of the books as well as the keeper of the family.

Fern was the family master gardener and chief cook. She loved flowers, especially roses. Fern always had chickens, talking to them so they would lay more eggs, and a cow for milk, cream, butter, and most importantly ice cream. She was an excellent cook and was not afraid to try new recipes. Her cooking and gardening skills were passed on to all her children.

Fern was an enthusiastic supporter of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in athletics, music, and art. She attended as many of their activities as possible. Both Fern and Alvin were huge Seattle Seahawks fans also. They never missed a game even if they had to listen on the radio.

Fern is preceded in death by her beloved husband Alvin, daughter Beth Harris; daughter-in-law Pam Harris; grandsons, Tyler Harris, Devin McBride, and Nathan McBride; parents, Frank and Rosa Knopp; and siblings, Marvin, Raymond, Ralph, Angeline, Wayne, Lucille, Clara, Melvin, Lawrence, and Estella. Fern is survived by brother Jesse Knopp (Dolores) of Moses Lake; sister-in-law Mary Ketchersid of Pasco; daughter, Feral Larson (Ken) of Richland; daughter, Jenny Anderson (Steve) of Hauser Lake, ID; son, Dalas Harris of Pasco; son, Dean Harris (Peggy) of Umatilla, OR; son, Bert Harris of Othello; son, Todd Harris (Marie) of Pasco; daughter, Rhonda McBride (Robert) of Pasco; 15 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.

Donations in Lieu of flowers may be made to The Franklin County Historical Society.