Kathy Harris unexpectedly passed away on the morning of July 12th due to a brain aneurysm. She had undergone major open-heart surgery in December from which she had successfully recovered. Kathy was born on February 27, 1953, in Olney, Illinois, the third child of Hugh and Mary Jo Newcomb. Kathy spent happy childhood years in Crossville, Illinois, and Henderson, Kentucky. She graduated from Henderson County High School as salutatorian in 1971.
Kathy attended Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas where she began her studies to become a medical technologist and met the love of her life, Randy Harris. They celebrated their 45th anniversary in March of this year. After Kathy completed her degree in Medical Technology at the University of Arkansas, they moved to Boise, Idaho where Randy was born and raised. Kathy recalled crying the first time she viewed Boise from I-84 in the height of summer; our high desert climate was shocking for her initially. Over the years, she came to love Idaho’s beauty and embraced Boise as her home.
Kathy worked as a med tech in Boise for several years. After the births of her daughters Gretchen and Darcie, she proudly devoted herself to being a homemaker. She enjoyed travel with family and friends and recreational SCUBA diving. Kathy ran and walked more marathons and half marathons than we can count. She enjoyed cooking, entertaining, and making holidays special. Love for Boise State football led to increasing involvement with the athletic program at BSU. She served as the President of the Bronco Athletic Association and headed the department’s fundraising auction.
Kathy was a member of Cole Community Church and her faith was the foundation of how she lived her life. Among other things, she led women’s Bible studies and joined in on mission trips.
Kathy took such joy and delight in spending time with her only grandson, Jacob Altree. Kathy read to Jacob as often as possible and shared her new hobby of playing the ukelele with him. In recent years, care for her elderly parents, who both passed away this spring, was her top priority. Kathy was taken away from us too soon, and she will be dearly missed.
Kathy is survived by her husband Randy; her daughter and son-in-law Gretchen and Dan Arguedas; her daughter and son-in-law Darcie and Kevin Altree and her grandson, Jacob Altree; her sister Linda James; and her brother Gary Newcomb. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Caring Hearts Hands of Hope Inc. at P.O. Box 7152 Boise, ID 83707 or Hope House at 7696 Old Bruneau Hwy, Marsing, ID 83639 or http://ahome2come2.com/about-us/.
An online memorial service will be held from Cole Community Church in Boise on Friday, July 17 at 10 a.m. This service can only be viewed at www.colecommunity.org due to COVID gathering restrictions.
Condolences may be left for family at www.bowmanfuneral.com
Kathy’s Link for her Service https://youtu.be/NuNslNJjV54
Kathy’s Tribute Video https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/YDCF9NQLTDPY9T6S
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JoAnn Butler & Mike Spink says
July 15, 2020 at 3:00 pmRandy, Gretchen, Darcie and all of your families, Mike and I are so very sad because of your loss. Kathy is such a wonderful person whose memory will remain with us. Our hearts are with you.
Krista Simmons says
July 15, 2020 at 3:16 pmI loved taking care of Kathy’s parents. They were always so kind to me. Kathy was such a sweet lady. She gave the best hugs. She was such a blessing. I loved our weekly Friday visits. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Wendy Kappel says
July 15, 2020 at 3:46 pmTo Randy, Gretchen, Darcie, and your families, my heart and prayers go out to you this time. I am so sorry for your loss. Kathy was an amazing woman, so kind, so classy, and I have many wonderful memories of all the races we did together. What a great example she was as a wife, mother, and friend. I always looked up to her. I am giving you all a big hug over the airwaves as I write this. Much love to all of you at this time, Wendy Kappel
Kay Grant says
July 15, 2020 at 3:59 pmThere are so many memories of my sweet and sassy friend! My heart is broken and I can only imagine the pain and loss that you all are feeling at this time. She touched so many lives. Randy, Gretchen and Dan, Darcie and Kevin, and Jacob, and Linda, you are in our prayers as you grieve her earthly loss.
Kay and Brian Grant
Tom and Sue Saldin says
July 15, 2020 at 5:05 pmRandy, Gretchen, Darcie, and your families,
Our hearts were saddened to learn of your sudden and shocking loss. It is almost unimaginable when a loved one simply steps out of our lives – with all that she planned for the next day still awaiting her attention. My strongest memories of Kathy center on her passion for her children as our daughters grew into adulthood. She had a quiet and gentle firmness that was grounded in faith and love. Holding you all in our hearts. Tom and Sue Saldin
Paul & Susan Fahnstrom says
July 15, 2020 at 8:47 pmDear cousins…Randy, Gretchen, Darcie & Families,
We are very saddened and grieve with you in the loss of Kathy, your beloved wife, mother & grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers go out for you all during the time of sadness & grief. God bless you all during this time.
With our love,
Your cousin,
Paul & Susan Fahnstrom & Family
Debra Irish says
July 16, 2020 at 1:52 pmRandy, Gretchen and Darcie – I was shocked and so sad to hear of Kathy’s passing. We are never ready for our loved ones to go, but we can be sure that our Lord Jesus was waiting for her with open arms. We will see her again one day. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Debi Irish
Jim and Kim Hovren says
July 15, 2020 at 11:35 pmGone too soon and seems surreal to know that Kathy is no longer with us. Jim and I are deeply saddened by her passing so suddenly. Prayers and thoughts for you and the family are on-going. Please call on us, if there’s anything we can do to help.
My memories of Kathy are happy ones! She always had a smile on her face, ready to help and be of service no matter the volunteer role. We began our friendship as parents at East Jr. High and through mutual family and friends our paths kept us in touch. A beautiful energy and god-loving woman describes her best. Knowing she is with our Lord is the picture that brings solace to my day.
Blessings and Peace,
Jim and Kim Hovren
Eldon and Nancy Wecker says
July 17, 2020 at 10:44 amWe are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and your family that God will hold you with peace only He can give. You will be with her one day for eternity. Our love, Eldon and Nancy
jeanne stasny says
July 16, 2020 at 1:28 amLinda, Gary and family I am so so sorry we lost Kathy too soon…She was such a wonderful warm hearted person, we will all miss her , sending love to you…
Ryan Armbruster says
July 16, 2020 at 1:58 amRandy,
I have had the pleasure of working side by side with Kathy for the Bronco Athletic Endowment for many years. A Bronco through and through. She gave all her energy to any project. I shall miss her. I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary Alice Caldwell says
July 16, 2020 at 2:15 pmSympathy to this family who have suffered such losses – I didn’t know Kathy, but her parents were so kind and welcoming to me when I moved to Meridian and started attending the Linder Road Church of Chist there, and throughout the years. I know Kathy was the same kind of person as they were and she will be missed.
karen kawano says
July 16, 2020 at 3:01 pmRandy, Gretchen, Darcie and Family,
Words cannot express our sorrow. Kathy will be greatly missed. She was such a beautiful woman inside and out. She was the perfect example of what a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and friend should be. I will greatly miss our visits when she would stop to say hi and catch up.
We are forever grateful that she was a part of our lives.
With Love Always,
Russ and Karen Kawano and Family
Shannon Rush says
July 16, 2020 at 5:21 pmKathy was a great gal. I only got a short time to get to know her but she left a heartfelt impression. She will be greatly missed.
Hethe Clark says
July 17, 2020 at 3:28 pmI am so sorry to hear about this immense loss. Randy and the entire Harris family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Janie and Lisa Reynolds says
July 17, 2020 at 3:50 pmRandy, Gretchen, Darcie and family –
We were so shocked and heartbroken to hear this sad news. Kathy was a remarkable woman who was so deeply kind and caring. She helped me (Janie) through a very difficult time in my life and I will always be grateful to her – she forever holds a special place in my heart and memory. She was such a warmth presence to my children and to everyone she knew. We have been thinking of you constantly these past few days and are sending you all of our love. We hope the wonderful memories of her will guide you through this difficult time. Much love to you now and always.
Janie, Lisa and Brad Reynolds
Rich and Patsy Fedrizzi says
July 17, 2020 at 5:12 pmRandy and the Harris Family,
What a shock! Kathy was a truly wonderful lady and caring person. She did so much for so many. She leaves a void in our hearts. May her soul rest in peace.
Larry & Karen Arguinchona says
July 17, 2020 at 5:14 pmRandy and Family,
Kathy represented the best Boise has to offer. Her smile, energy, positive outlook and warmth will sadly be missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Larry & Karen Arguinchona
Carol Delaney says
July 17, 2020 at 5:56 pmRandy and family
I am so sorry to hear of Kathy’s sudden death. I knew her and you through her Dad and Mother at the Terraces. She was always so loving and patient, and they loved her dearly of course. I can remember when she would come to help with errands. Hugh would say, “Mother, Kathy is going to take you shopping”. Her eyes would light up, and Kathy would say, “C’mon, lets leave Dad and go for a ride”…Then the wonderful anniversary party… She will be an asset to Heaven. Bless you all,
Peter O'Neill says
July 17, 2020 at 6:10 pmRandy and family–I am shocked and genuinely saddened to read of Cathy’ s tragic and untimely passing. My first memory of Cathy was 50+- years ago and her smiling face and caring care as the go to person in Dr. Bill Forney’s office. I was a “regular visitor” and she was always in good humor talked about family and most competent. My most recent chance visit was when we met on the greenbelt just a few weeks ago. Still smiling and exuding kindness! I have followed as much as I could all those ensuing years and her many accomplishments. Lots to be proud of and lots of great memories for you and your family, but nevertheless real tough to handle.
Both Barrie and I send our thoughts and best wishes–
Juanita Thiel says
July 17, 2020 at 6:53 pmI’m so sorry for your loss Randy. Kathy was a very special lady and will be dearly missed. My prayers and thoughts to you and your daughters.
Jan Stephens says
July 18, 2020 at 1:18 pmRandy, Darcy, & Gretchen, I am so very sorry for your loss. Kathy was the best of who we are–kind, funny, and a beautiful person.
Beverly Knapp says
July 18, 2020 at 3:41 pmMy sincere condolences on the loss of Kathy. She was such a beautiful person and will be missed by so many. I always enjoyed her so much!
Royanne and Alan Minskoff says
July 19, 2020 at 1:31 pmRandy, Our heartfelt sympathies to you all. May Kathy live in your memories and forever in your hearts.
Wally Glass says
July 19, 2020 at 6:29 pmRandy and family, so very sorry to hear of your loss.
Kathy was such a nice person with always a big smile for everyone. She will be missed by many people!
Wally Glass
Wally Glass says
July 19, 2020 at 6:29 pmRandy and family, so very sorry to hear of your loss.
Kathy was such a nice person with always a big smile for everyone. She will be missed by many people!
Cheri Smirnov says
July 19, 2020 at 9:40 pmI worked at both American Bank of Commerce and then Idaho Banking Company. Randy was a board member and then a great leader at Idaho Banking Company. Yes, I was in senior management, but I’ve worked at more than one bank and board members – and especially their wives – weren’t always the friendliest to the “staff.” But Kathy (and Randy) were so different. They were like family to us. I will always remember a day right after BSU won THE Fiesta Bowl in 2007. I was standing in the food court at Boise Mall and Kathy came out of nowhere and gave me a hug and told me all about the Fiesta Bowl win. I had a BSU bracelet that my daughter had made that she commented on and I told her that Kristen would make one for her (which she did). After that when we saw each other she always showed me that she had that BSU bracelet on. I just watched her memorial service and I knew she was a believer, but after watching this I feel so good that I’ll see her again. My condolences to the Harris family. She was really special.
Mike Wardle says
July 20, 2020 at 7:37 pmOver the past week, we have pondered memories of Kathy and the quiet joy and warmth we felt in her presence. Randy, Gretchen and Darcy, words are inadequate to comfort your sudden loss and sorrow, but we care and pray for the peace of the Lord to carry you through this difficult time.
The Wardle’s–Eileen, Michael & Jonathan
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