Thelma Naomi Harris

CASA GRANDE - Thelma Naomi Harris, 93, a longtime Casa Grande resident and church member, died on Sept. 12, 2018, in Mesa.

Mrs. Harris was born to John W. Busby and Frances B. Bogard on Dec. 31, 1924, in the southeastern Arizona settlement of Bakerville, the oldest of nine children. She went to school in Tucson and graduated from Tucson High School. She was married to Kelton A. Harris on Sept. 18, 1942, in the Mesa Tempe of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She lived and worked in Tucson while her husband served in the Merchant Marine during World War II. From 1952 until 1954 they served an LDS mission in Hawaii, making many lifelong friends.

After returning they owned and operated a trucking business and then bought and operated a commercial cattle feedlot in Casa Grande. In 1964 the family went on a building mission for the church to Brazil and built two chapels. They later lived in Tucson for a short time until returning to Casa Grande to resume operating the feedlot. She worked for her brother as a contract postal carrier, delivering bulk mail to Stanfield and Maricopa for many years.

She was an active genealogist and worked tirelessly to find her family's ancestors and learn about their lives. She shared their stories with friends and family and helped others with genealogy. She loved writing to "her" missionaries every month and was a very supportive member of her church. She was loved by young and old and known for her sweet smile.

Survivors include four daughters and sons, Cindy Shearman of Vail, Danny Harris of Chandler, Becky Harris of Mesa and Mario Halter of Keizer, Oregon; four siblings, Fern Evans of Tucson, A. Jay Busby of Tucson, Janet Larson of Buckeye and Jim Busby of Tucson; 21 grandchildren; and 39 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; a daughter, Pamela Harris; and four brothers, Maurice, Jerry, Jack and Ray Busby.

Visitation beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22, at Church of Jesus Christ Latterday Saints (Kortsen Building) in Casa Grande. Funeral at 10, with President Grant Walton and Bishop Jeff Mitchell officiating. Graveside service at 3 p.m. in St. David Cemetery.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel in charge of arrangements.