Francis "Carol" Harris Obituary (1934

Francis "Carol" Harris was born on July 28, 1934, in Rupert, Idaho, to Donald B. and Pauline (Brown) Hardin. She passed away at home on September 11, 2025. When Carol was still a child, the family moved their belongings — and their livestock — by rail car to Earlham, Iowa. She was raised on the family farm north of Earlham alongside her brothers, Howard and Dick. The family took great pride in their Percheron horses, a symbol of their deep agricultural roots. Carol graduated from Earlham High School and went on to live a rich, vibrant life that touched and inspired many. While studying commercial art with a minor in anthropology at the University of Iowa, Carol married the love of her life, Ted T. Harris, on August 2, 1952, in West Point, Nebraska. With his black leather jacket and Indian motorcycle, Ted was quite the catch. The two eloped, keeping their marriage a secret — as married women were not permitted to live in university dormitories at the time. After some time at college, Ted and Carol settled in Earlham. Carol’s artistic flair illuminated everything she touched — from designing creative signage for countless volunteer projects to restoring antiques, crafting dance costumes, and immersing herself in the worlds of art, architecture, and history. Carol was not only a dedicated wife, mother, and homemaker, but also worked part-time as a dental assistant for Dr. Hiller, DDS, in Des Moines. She served as the manager of the Earlham Pool for many years, but was most proud of her work as a laboratory assistant at Planned Parenthood of Iowa, where she stood firmly in support of women’s rights. A pillar of the Earlham community, Carol volunteered with many organizations, forming lifelong friendships along the way. She was a founding member of the Earlham Rescue Squad in the 1970s — the original vehicle a retrofitted Ford Bronco, their jackets marked with iron-on letters. She devoted countless hours to the creation of the Earlham Museum and Hocket House, both labors of love that preserved local history. Carol was also a proud member of the Earlham Art Group, where Thursday afternoons were filled with creativity, laughter, and friendship. Her talent for chair caning was showcased at the Madison County Bridge Festival for many years, and she took great pride in helping others connect with their heritage. Carol was an adventurous soul. She and Ted embarked on SCUBA diving trips to Mexico in the 1960s, and were some of the few volunteers who assisted in local drown victim recovery. She rolled her own cigarettes and made plum and dandelion wine in the basement. Summers were filled with 4-H projects and camping at the county fair with her children. In later years, she enjoyed trips to Clear Lake and Mexico with dear friends like Peg Schafer and cousins Jane Weideman and Nancy Ringstrom. In her later years and as her health failed, Carol was able to remain in her beloved home thanks to the devoted care of her son Dan. His unwavering support allowed her to enjoy her comforts — including sleeping past noon and being adored by her faithful cat, Kate. Words cannot express how deeply grateful his siblings are to Dan for the care and compassion he provided to both of our parents in their twilight years. Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Ted, who passed away on May 7, 2016. Her legacy lives on through her children — Eve Harris (R. Gravy Cochran) of Redfield, Carrie Knight of Des Moines, Ben Harris (Leann) of Adel, and Dan Harris of Earlham — as well as her grandchildren, Chad Knight, Ava Harris, and Will Harris. A remembrance service will be held on Sunday, September 28, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Earlham Community Center, 150 W 1st Street, Earlham, IA. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Carol’s memory may contribute to the Earlham Historical Society, PO Box 305, Earlham, IA 50072. Following the service, friends and family are encouraged to visit the Earlham Museum, located adjacent to the Community Center, and celebrate the legacy Carol helped preserve.