Christine M. Opper Harris

Christine “Granny” M. Opper Harris, 80, a lifetime resident of the Ozark-Altus area went to her Heavenly Home on Tuesday February 15, 2011 at the local hospital in Ozark. She was retired from Cargill. She was born June 11, 1930 in Altus to Anton Opper, an immigrant from Germany, and Johanna Glanzman Opper. Being the baby of fourteen children she gained the nickname of “Babe”, and was “Babe” to many older friends, siblings, nieces and nephews. She was “Granny” to more than just her kids, too. She was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Altus and a volunteer for the Christmas Spirit, commodities food program and community thrift store. She was a past member of Ozark Round-up Club and St. Mary’s Quilting Club. She loved her family, family gatherings, puzzle books, gardening, cooking, quilting, and the Lord. She loved to tell stories of her childhood and those who knew her also knew her mischievous ways. She was preceded in death by her former husband Willie Harris, a son Stanley Harris; seven brothers, Tony, Carl, Pete, Joe, Matt, Henry, and Paul Opper; and six sisters: Elizabeth Wyers, Mary Pfeifer, Frances Vernon, Johanna and Gertrude Worley, and Angeline McCartney. She is survived by four daughters: Kathey Rue and husband Bud of Ozark; Willene Gowing and husband Jim of Altus, Raymonda Walker and husband Rhan of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; and Iris Ross and husband Bud of Ozark; five sons: Darrell Mayner and wife Shema of Altus; Dennis Harris and wife Liesa, Mike Harris and wife Tonia, Gratton Harris, and Todd Harris, all of Ozark; twenty-four grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM Friday, February 18th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Altus, Arkansas with Father Hilary Filiatreau officiating, with burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Altus, Arkansas, under direction of Shaffer Funeral Home of Ozark, Arkansas. Rosary service will be at 6:30 PM Thursday followed by visitation with the family from 7:00 until 8:00 PM at Shaffer Funeral Home. Serving as pallbearers are Cardith and Garrett Walker, Nick Mike and Hunter Harris, Jim and Greg Gowing, Bryer Cowell, and Lewis Rue. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Garreth Carrick, Bud Ross, Bud Rue, Bobby Standridge, Thomas Post, Rhan Walker and Jim Worley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church Restoration Project.

Christine M. Opper Harris

June 11, 1930 - February 15, 2011