WADSWORTH

Geraldine Marie (Barnett) Harris
29 October 1921 7 Mar 2014

Gerry was born in Wadsworth where she spent the vast majority of her life. She graduated from Wadsworth High School in 1939 where she met (and later married) her high school sweetheart, Charles (Chuck) Harris. The couple were married in Biloxi, Mississippi where he was in training for his military service in World War II. After spending several months in Biloxi Gerry came home to live with her parents until Chuck was discharged at the end of the war.

After Chuck returned home they moved to Akron for a brief time where Chuck operated a business, but ultimately they returned to Wadsworth where they built the house that they lived in for more than 55 years.

Gerry worked for many of the businesses that are part of Wadsworth’s history – the Ohio Match Company, the E-Jay Lumber Yards, Wadsworth Millwork and Wadsworth Sash & Door. She also owned and operated Administration Tax Services, a public accounting and tax preparation business, for many years.

Gerry was well known in Wadsworth where she was an early and active member of the Wadsworth Footlighters. She was also active in civic affairs and ran for City Auditor and for City Treasurer and was Treasurer of the committee that erected the gazebo on Wadsworth Square. Gerry was active in the VFW and in Eastern Stars, serving in all of the offices including Worthy Matron. She was also treasurer for the United Methodist Church for more than 25 years. She enjoyed working among the volunteers who cooked for the Masons and Lions Club’s weekly lunches. While her three sons were young Gerry served as a Den Leader for the Cub Scouts.

After Chuck’s passing in January 2005 Gerry remained living in the family home in Wadsworth with her beloved dog Jack, the last of many dogs that she had over the years, until she moved to Arden Courts in Bath 4 years ago. At Arden Courts she was always considered to be the life of the party and was the staff’s favorite resident.

Gerry passed away peacefully; she is survived by her three sons and one daughter-in-law – Gary Harris, Larry Harris and David and Cherie Harris; six grandchildren – Vega (Keller), Nik, Dianthe, Megan, George and Shawn; four great grandchildren and two nieces Vickie (Bruce) Pietrangelo and Valerie (Greg) Dannemiller.

The family will receive friends Wednesday 5-8 PM at Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home, 174 N. Lyman Street in Wadsworth, where Eastern Star Services will be conducted at 7:30pm and funeral service will be held Thursday at 2 PM. Gerry will be buried in Woodlawn Cemetery next to Chuck, the true love of her life. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Wadsworth United Methodist Church, 195 Broad St., Wadsworth, OH 44281 or Humane Society of Greater Akron at 7996 Darrow Road, Twinsburg, OH 44087.

Hilliard-Rospert
330-334-1501
www.hilliardrospert.co