Early Life: Colleen was born in 1929 to Ben and Myrtle Noble Riggs and raised in the Gilbert/Chandler area of Arizona, giving her deep "farming" roots. She achieved high honors in schooling and everything she did. She was especially proud to get her pilots license before she was old enough to get a drivers license. She wanted to be flying every plane she saw the rest of her life.
Education: Northwestern University
Life's Work/Service/Interests: Colleen married Jerry Harris, who loved her the first moment he saw her as a soloist in a Messiah production. Jerry and Colleen honeymooned on their trip to Northwestern University to earn their Master's Degrees in Music. They always taught music and participated in musical events throughout their 60 years of marriage; first in Texas, then Phoenix and eventually, both came to teach in the Music Department of Brigham Young University in 1970. Colleen taught voice her whole life and performed herself with her high soprano voice, in too many places to begin to mention. She and Jerry were both asked to be in the Tabernacle Choir, faithfully serving as musical missionaries. Colleen also conducted many different choirs, with the latest being the Florence Madsen Memorial Chorus of Provo, sweet ladies who perform in care centers in the region and present concerts twice yearly. Colleen loved Jesus Christ and His gospel, she served in many positions in the LDS Church. She and Jerry also completed a Family History Mission in the California Ventura Mission, during the earthquake. Colleen also loved gardening, reading, sports and most of all, her family. Colleen is now busy in spirit, while her loved ones remain here to continue her love. She was vibrant and lively for 84 years but after a fall and infection, she was allowed to stop suffering and return to rejoice with those that have passed on before her. Colleen Riggs Harris died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Provo, Utah, on Sunday, February 2, 2014.
Family Message: "As her body failed, her words to all were of love, encouraging us to love one another more dearly. Her lively spark kept us smiling and she showed all she met that she genuinely loved them."
Survived By: Her husband, H. Jarolde "Jerry" Harris; daughters: Colleen Jr.(Mike Lee), Carrie Morris (Dale) Christie Leith (Chad); with 15 grandchildren and their spouses, six great-grandchildren with two more on the way.
Preceded In Death By: Her parents; her brothers and sisters: Elaine Green, Lyle Riggs, Noble Riggs, Melba Lamoreaux and Reid Riggs; mother-in-law, Leona Larson; and a son-in-law, Gordon White.
Services: Grandview Fifth LDS Ward
Mortuary: Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary
Obituary: Provo Daily Herald | 5 Feb 2014
Bio compiled by: AnnieDuckettHundley