Virginia "Jean" Harris

Virginia "Jean" Harris, 87, of Fargo, ND, formerly of Keokuk, IA died Thursday, May 30, 2013 at the Elim Care Center in Fargo, ND. She was born April 2, 1926 the daughter of Julian and Lucille Marks Smith. Jean graduated from the Keokuk Senior High School in 1944. In 1947 Jean was united in marriage to Willis A. "Ace" Drummond. Together they lived several places including Mt. Pleasant, IA, Moline, IL, Bismarck, ND, and Peoria, IL. They had two sons, Richard and James. Jean moved back to Keokuk and married Donald Harris in 1965. She worked for Montgomery Ward in Keokuk for fifteen years. She was a hard worker and a devoted loving mother. Most of all she enjoyed serving veterans through her activities with the American Legion Auxiliary for 42 years. She brought baked goods to veterans in area nursing homes and helped with bingo for veterans on a regular basis. Every year she was involved in the "poppy" fundraiser to benefit veterans. She also served as chaplain for the local American Legion Auxiliary and won many local and statewide awards for her service. She was also an avid Chicago Cub fan. She is survived by one son, James Drummond and his wife Deanne of Fargo, ND, one granddaughter, Chloe Drummond of Fargo, ND, one sister, Bettie Lou Saunders of Lincoln, RI, and two cousins, Susie Mooney and Susan Brownell. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Richard Drummond, one brother, Julian L. Smith and her husband, Donald L. Harris. Memorial services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 29th, 2013 at the Vigen Memorial Home with Bro Bill Hauser officiating. Burial will be at a later date at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Keokuk, IA. Her body was donated to the University of North Dakota for medical research. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be given to the American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship Fund.