MENDOTA - Dorothy Jean Harris, 99, of Mendota passed away Aug. 14, 2020 at Heritage Health, Mendota due to COVID-19.

Due to the coronavirus, there will be a private family gathering at Merritt Funeral Home. A public graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at Restland Cemetery, Mendota with Pastor Hogun Kim of Zion United Methodist Church officiating. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is handling arrangements.

Dorothy was born Aug. 26, 1920 to Carter and Minnie (Reeder) Parlier. She married James “Jim” Harris on April 16, 1942. He preceded her in death in 1995.

Survivors include one daughter, Catherine (Larry) Hood of Bridgewater N.J.; one son, John (fiancée Darla Kleckner) Harris of Mendota; one granddaughter, Alisa Turner and a great-grandson, Harrison Turner, both of Mount Pleasant S.C.; her special granddaughter, Amy Furar of Mendota; special grandsons, Lewis Kleckner and Matt Furar, both of Mendota; special great-granddaughter, Audrey Kleckner; and special great-grandson, Gabe Kleckner.

Growing up on a farm just northeast of Mendota, Dorothy always rode her pony to a one-room school, and also graduated from Mendota High School. She worked at various jobs including Westclox, the telephone company and in health care. Traveling was a major enjoyment for Dorothy and Jim with trips in the U.S. including two trips to Hawaii, visiting their daughter and family in New Jersey, and going to Jim’s Army reunions. They also traveled to Europe with their Army friends to some of the places Jim was at during World War II. Especially important to Dorothy was helping others. She enjoyed community service and was always willing to help neighbors, friends, and family. She was active in organizations including American Legion Auxiliary, Mendota Zion United Methodist Church (active member since 1951), Mendota Women’s Club (member over 50 years serving in many positions), Home Extension, Camp Fire Girls Leader, and Mendota Area Senior Services (MASS). In addition, she enjoyed attending MASS programs and monthly suppers and Zion UMC fellowship hour after church service. She was a loving, devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved spending time with family. She was an excellent cook, having cooked with her mother for thrashers on the farm, and her family will especially miss her Christmas sugar cookies. Other hobbies included being an excellent seamstress and upholsterer, crocheting, and collecting antiques. Gardening at her home at 410 8th St. kept her busy and happy until she entered Heritage Health.

Please direct memorials in lieu of flowers to either Zion United Methodist Church of Mendota or to Mendota Area Senior Services (MASS).