Velda Gibbs Harris, 98, passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2018 surrounded by her family. Velda was born in Portage, Utah on December 19, 1919 to J. Hyrum and Hazel Gibbs, he fifth of nine children.
Velda attended Box Elder County Schools, graduating from Bear River High School where she served as Student Body Vice-President.
She married Devere Harris on July 12, 1938 in the Logan LDS Temple, and they enjoyed 67 wonderful years together. Devere and Velda lived and raised their children in Portage, Utah. While in Portage, Velda was active in the LDS church, holding both ward and stake positions.
In 1980, they were called to serve as President and Matron of the Idaho Falls Temple. Upon completion of this assignment, her husband was called to the First Quorum of the Seventy, and Velda accompanied him to the South Pacific. They lived in Sydney, Australia and traveled throughout the world where she taught, instructed, and served as a representative of all the LDS General Women’s Organizations.
In 1987, they returned to the United States residing in Salt Lake City to complete their assignment with the Seventy. In order to be closer to their children and grandchildren, they moved to Logan in 1990.
Velda enjoyed traveling, teaching, speaking, reading, writing histories and riding horses. However, her first priority was spending time with her family. She was a devoted Jazz and BYU fan and watched the games with her grandchildren. Her love of family and service to others were what made her the wonderful person she was.
Velda is survived by five children: Donna (Glen) Cobia, Sherry (Vern) Budge, Tonya (Michael) Ford, Robert (Terri) Harris, Lori (Corey) Christensen, all living in Cache Valley, also 30 grandchildren, 69 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, a daughter (Melanie), a granddaughter, her parents and all of her siblings.
A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 14th at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street in Logan, Utah. On Monday, January 15, at the Portage Ward Church, there will be a viewing from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The services will follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Portage Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed online at www.allenmortuaries.net