Grace Eileen (Powers) Harris

Grace Eileen Powers Harris was born on September 8, 1935, in Gage, Oklahoma, to Cecyl and Willie Erwin Powers. She was raised in both Gage and Hempstead, Texas, and was baptized at the Gage Beach. In her later years, Grace found great comfort in attending Ebenezer Baptist Church in Shattuck, where she nurtured her faith and enjoyed the fellowship of her church family. Grace passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, at the age of 89.

On December 7, 1950, Grace married the love of her life, George O'Dell Harris. Together, they made their home in Shattuck, Oklahoma, where they raised four beloved children: George Jr., David, LaVada, and Denny. Grace was a devoted mother who loved unconditionally and would do anything for her family. One of her favorite pastimes was spending weekends listening and dancing to Dell and George’s country music and in more recent years her grandson Haydon.

Grace worked at Newman Memorial Hospital for many years, first in the kitchen and later in the housekeeping department of the clinic. She also faithfully cleaned the local Baptist church, taking pride in her service to the community.

Grace was known not only for her strong work ethic and caring spirit but also for her natural remedies. Whether it was a cough, a burn, or a broken heart, Grandma Grace always had something homemade to help.

Her greatest joy, however, was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She and Dell lovingly helped raise many of them, always ready with a warm hug and something delicious from her kitchen. Her pancakes and famous milkshakes (with just a touch of vanilla) were legendary, and no holiday was complete without her homemade chicken and noodles. You knew how special you were if she ever made you homemade beirox.

A favorite family tradition was marking heights on the kitchen doorframe. Even today, those pencil lines are a reminder of love, growth, and sweet times shared under her roof.

Grace was also a talented quilter and homemaker. She made sturdy jean quilts that are still wrapped around her family at football games and cozy nights at home. She loved to crochet, sew, embroider, and do needlework. In earlier years, she made “feed sack” shirts for her boys from cotton chicken feed sacks—simple, humble, and made with love.

Grace had a gentle, nurturing spirit. She never missed a school program or family event with her camera in hand to capture every memory. Everything she did—from her signature phone greeting “yello”, homemade bread, to her perfect nails "itching" our backs—was done with care and love.

Everything was better with a touch of “Grandma Grace.”

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Grace was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George O'Dell Harris, her parents Cecyl and Willie, her sister, Carol Rush, and her brother, Ralph Merrit. She is survived by her four children: George Harris and wife Brenda, David Harris and wife Kathy, LaVada Weidner and husband Garth, and Denny Harris and wife Lilly. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Kara Hansen and husband Dusty, Micah Bullard and husband Tyson, Michel David and husband Milt, Kile Weidner, Haydon Harris, Whitney Harris, and Jordyn Kibbe and husband Josh. Her great-grandchildren include Justice Hansen and wife Keily, Kanan Hansen, Kasia Hansen, Acyn Hansen, Karia Hansen, Sayler Bullard, Tayzlee Bullard, Kian Kibbe, Breck Kibbe, Coah Kibbe, Kolsyn Kibbe, Justyn Price, Oakley Price, Katie Weidner, and Toby Weidner. Her great-great-grandchild Greyson Stewart, sister Virginia Chill and many nieces and nephews.

Grace’s legacy of love, faith, family, and country kindness will live on in the hearts and homes of everyone she touched.