Lena Dunning Harris

Grandma Lena’s Rules:

• Love One another: if you follow this rule, you will not need the other rules.

• No crying unless you are hurt.

• No fighting.

• No stepping on Grandma’s toes

We lost our dear Mom, Mother-in-law, Grandma, Great Grandma, Aunt and friend on September 11, 2022 in Sheridan, MT where she spent her final years. There are no words to describe our sadness but we cherish every memory and moment of her in our lives.

Our Mom, Lena Dunning Harris was born on January 8, 1929 to Forest and Beatrice Dunning in Ashland, Montana the 9th of 13 children. She attended and graduated high school in Billings, Montana where she met and married the love of her life, our dad, Rollie Harris, sharing their life there for many years. Their love story grew for 61 years during which they welcomed three daughters, Linda, Sandy and Shelley into their family.

Lena worked for Mountain Bell for 38 years while raising her family. She was a devout Catholic who lived her beliefs in her daily actions by serving, donating and spreading God’s word. Lena always set a good example. She was a flower gardener; gourmet cook and seamstress, sewing beautiful dresses for her daughters. Rollie and Lena loved to dance, entertain and play bridge. Mom was the best hostess ever welcoming family and friends into her home for all occasions whether it be celebrations or heath care lodging.

They traveled extensively after retirement to Canyon Ferry, San Carlos, Mexico, and Arizona stopping along the way visiting their children, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and numerous lifelong friends. Rollie and Lena “seized the moment” and lived life to the fullest.

Our Mom was never happier than when spending quality time with her grandchildren. She was a hands-on grandma enjoying every stage of their lives, always proud of their accomplishments. When the great grandchildren arrived, she thought they were the icing on the cake.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 12 siblings and grandsons Scott & Greg Day. 

She is survived by her daughters and their husbands Dan Day, Danny Byers and Paul Schroer, her grandchildren Danette (Jess George), Shelley (Jake Opgenorth), Emily (Odell George), Mathew Schroer (Heather), Ben Schroer, and seven great grandchildren.

Per her wishes Lena’s ashes will be united with Rollie’s at Fort Harrison, MT.

A celebration of life and memorial Mass will take place in Sheridan, MT in early summer 2023.