- Date Of Birth: July 26, 1923
- Date Of Death: February 3, 2010
- State: Idaho
Cleo Berniece Harry, 86, passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on February 3, 2010.
Cleo was born on July 26, 1923 in Verdel, Nebraska, the beloved only child of H. Clyde and Inga Sophia Jones. In 1937, the Great Depression and farming disasters forced the family to relocate. Cleo would tell her family she knew what it was like to be a pioneer, traveling in her dad’s Ford pickup to “ some place that was better than dust and grasshoppers” — but no specific destination and no family waiting for them when they got there. When Cleo’s dad first saw the Boise Valley he believed that God had brought them to the “Garden of Eden”. And as God must have planned, this was always the place that Cleo called home.
Cleo was enrolled in Wilder High School, where she graduated in 1941. This is also where she met and fell in love with a handsome athletic upper classman, whom she married October 5, 1941. Cliff and Cleo Harry began their married life in Wilder, living in many other cities over the years (Parma, Delano, CA, and Grass Valley, CA), but they always returned to make Caldwell their home.
Cleo was always involved both in the community and with the activities of her daughters, Elin and Sue. Cleo was presented the 1952 award of “Woman of the Year” by Governor Smylie. She was active in Rebekah’s and as a Jaycette.
A wide variety of interests kept Cliff and Cleo young-at-heart.
Cliff, Cleo’s love for more than 60 years, passed away in 2004. On May 5, 2006, Cleo married Don Harry, Cliff’s brother. The couple spent winters in El Paso, TX and summers in Caldwell. Their marriage brought Cleo much joy as she not only gained a husband but a whole extended family that was drawn closer by the shared vows. Cleo’s nieces, Carol Sue and Beverly, became two more daughters that Cleo enjoyed getting to know even better.
Preceding Cleo in death were her parents, Clyde and Inga Jones; her husband, Cliff Harry; her much-loved in-laws; her son-in-law, Steve Howard; her sister-in-law, Mary Von Harry.
Cleo is survived by her husband, Don Harry; Daughters: Elin (Dennis) Sharpe, Sue (Louis) Clausen, Carol Sue (Benny) Guy, Beverly (Don) Huck. Grandchildren: Lynn (Jonita) Proctor; Karra Proctor; Bob Clausen; Chuck (Tina) Howard, Don (Dawn) Clausen, Julie Howard, Darrel Dirks, Sheila (Dave) Alvarez, Tanya Guy, Phillip (Lacey) Guy, Dwayne Cates, Justin (Karen) Cates. Great Grandchildren: Misty (Travis), Jhett, and Saylor Hammond; Mickellus Perry; Miranda, Mariah, and Lanae Clausen; Jorie , Kendra, and Megan Howard; Dafni and Dusty Clausen; and 4 special “Texas” greats.
The family would like to offer thanks to the extraordinary neighbors of the culdesac of who provide help, comfort and friendship to Cleo and Don during the last several years. Your care and concern for our Mother and Grandmother is greatly appreciated!
Nanna, you fought a mighty battle! Thanks for showing us all how to be gracious and loving even while facing a giant called cancer. Love you for always!
