Eleanor Louise Suess Harris

Eleanor Louise Suess Harris

April 4, 1912 - April 4, 1912

OPELIKA, Alabama -- Eleanor Harris passed away on her 102nd birthday April 4, 2014, at Arbor Springs in Opelika, Alabama.

She was born April 4, 1912, in McCook, Nebraska, to Louis and Ethel Suess. She grew up in McCook and later studied violin at Julliard School of Music in New York City. She received a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska and a master's degree in music education from Columbia University.

While studying at Columbia University, she met John T. Harris, a native of Opelika, Alabama, who was working in New York City. They were married in Auburn, Alabama, on April 9, 1936. In 1942, they returned to the Harris Family Farm near Opelika, Alabama. In 1945, they moved to McCook, Nebraska, to operate the Suess family business (DeGroff's Department Store) and ranch. John T. and Eleanor retired to the family farm in Opelika in 1976. Eleanor traveled the world extensively and visited all 50 states.

She gave generously of her time and talents to civic and arts organizations. She founded the Museum of the High Plains in McCook and cofounded with her husband John T., the Museum of East Alabama in Opelika. She was on the first Nebraska Arts Council Board and served for many years. She also served on the board of the Mid States Arts Alliance, an arts council serving a six-state region. She played the violin and piano beautifully and performed and taught all of her life.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Opelika and a longtime member of First Congregational Church in McCook. Eleanor was a devoted wife and mother and raised six boys with her husband, John T.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, husband, John T., sisters, Gertrude Brumbaugh and Martha Suess, and sons Bill and Paul Harris.

She is survived by her sons, John T. Harris Jr. (Karen) of Lincoln, Nebraska, Bob Harris (Diane) of Auburn, Alabama, Bert Harris (Paula) of Opelika, Alabama, Jim Harris of Lincoln, Nebraska; daughters-in-law, MarySue Harris of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Ileta Harris of Larned, Kansas; 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by Sam Sangsom (Jan) of Opelika, Alabama, and their two children and two grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Opelika on Saturday April 12, 2014, at 2 p.m. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

Memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church, 702 Ave A, Opelika, AL 36801; First Congregational Church, 212 East E St. McCook, NE 69001; Museum of East Alabama, 121 South 9th St., Opelika, AL 36801; and Museum of the High Plains, 413 Norris Ave., McCook, NE 69001.

Condolences may be left at www.FrederickDean.com, who is in charge of arrangements.