Janet Nadine Harris

Janet Nadine Harris was born September 26, 1955, in Montrose, Colorado. Her parents were Albert and Aileen Soderquist of Cimarron, Colorado. Janet was raised on the George Soderquist homestead ranch, located on the Blue in the Cimarron Valley. She was the youngest of three girls. She attended school in Montrose and graduated from Montrose High School in May of 1973. Her childhood was filled with all she could have wanted and was certainly full of stimulating activities. She learned many life skills while growing up there. She was a member of the Cimarron 4-H Club and participated in cooking and sewing activities with many projects being exhibited at the Montrose County Fair. Janet had many interests and she enjoyed working with her hands. Her skills were many and not limited to cooking great meals for family and friends, sewing clothing for herself and family members, creating gorgeous sand paintings, crocheting, making beautiful wreaths from pine cones she and her family collected.

Janet met the love of her life, Ray Harris while in school. They were married on December 30, 1973 in the Montrose Christian Church. Ray was an “original cowboy and ranch hand” and Janet was his supporting partner. They moved around some because even then ranch work was limited. They lived and raised their family in Colorado and Nebraska, but Colorado was their home. She was a dedicated housewife, homemaker, and mother staying at home until their children were in school. She then sought employment at the Elementary School in Pierce, Colorado then transferred to the Middle school in Ault, Colorado.

After their children graduated from high school, Ray and Janet put all their belongings in storage and traveled to Alaska. Upon their return, they settled in the Byers, Colorado area and Ray worked on the Bradbury ranch and Janet was employed at the Kelver Library in Byers, Colorado. After Ray had several shoulder injuries that forced him to quit ranch work they purchased a house in Bennett, Colorado and lived there for 13 years. Janet continued to work at the library in Byers until early 2022 when she retired.

Janet was a beloved daughter, cherished sister, devoted wife, an amazing mother and grandma, loyal to her family, friends, and co-workers. She passed away November 8, 2022, at her daughter’s home with her family nearby. Janet fought a valiant battle against cancer using faith, strength, and courage.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert & Aileen Soderquist, her beloved husband, Ray Harris, and two brother-in-laws, Mike Hay and Eldon Rogers. She is survived by her two children, Roy D wife Crystal Harris and their children, Connor & Samantha, Jody Lodice husband Ben and their children, Emily and Aloisius, two sisters, Nina Rogers and Nancy Hay and many other family members.

Remembering Janet: she was a strong woman, a true friend, always concerned about others, full of grace and charm. Grateful for her family and friends and that she had the time to express to each of us her gratitude. Every day we miss her.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a charity of your choice. Janet might suggest: The American Heart Association, The American Diabetes Association, The American Cancer Society, Be Still and Know Inc., PO Box 563, Bennett, Colorado 80102, or Pathways of Northern Colorado, 305 Carpenter Road, Fort Collins 80525.