Marianne Harris

Marianne (Lytle) Harris passed away at the age of 94 years. She was born to A.E. "Bert" Lytle and Opal Wheeler Lytle. She grew up on her family's farm called Lytle Haven at Melrose Lane and MacArthur, a property staked out in the Land Run of 1889. Marianne graduated from Putnam City High School in 1934 and attended Oklahoma A&M where she belonged to Kappa Delta Sorority. She later attended U of Montevallo in AL, known then as Montevallo College of Women. Marianne married her childhood sweetheart, the love of her life, Roy C. Harris, Jr., in a garden wedding at Lytle Haven on June 14, 1936. They were married for 67 years before he passed away on Aug. 24, 2003. Marianne was a wonderful homemaker, had a talent for color and design. As a talented seamstress she could look at a garment in a store window and copy it without benefit of a pattern. Marianne always delighted in the spring season when she could extend the invitation to "come see the azaleas", a garden showcase started by Roy and now continued by her son, Sandy. She loved to apply her artistic talents to home decorating. She was a mentor to many young girls and women about table settings, and how to entertain. She was always ready to travel to see interesting sites. She was Frontier Hospice volunteer for the past 5 years, visiting home-bound patients, and also working in the office. In addition, she was nominated for the Andrus Volunteer of the Year award, sponsored by AARP. Even in her 90's, she was an active volunteer. Marianne was a member of Olivet Baptist Church and later, Nichols Hills Baptist Church. She was a member of The American Glass Club, LeMidi Book Club, Dixie Chapter of UDC, and charter member of Col. John Starke Chapter of DAR. Throughout her many endeavors, Mrs. Harris embodied grace, intelligence, warmth and compassion. She loved gardening, collecting china and crystal, beautiful sunsets, reading, and commited to learning something new every day. Marianne is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and a sister, Agnes Keller. She is survived by her two children, Gaytra Coggins and husband, Jim of Poteau, OK. Roy C. "Sandy" Harris, III, and wife, Diane of OKC; two grandsons, Peter J. Gootos, II, M.D. and wife, Leslie of Grapevine, TX, and Christopher J. Gootos of Long Island, NY; five great grandchildren, Philip, Madeleine, Andrew, Christopher J. II, and Nicholas Gootos; brother in law, Bud Harris and his wife, Norma; sister in law, Patricia Harris; and numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends. The Visitation will be on Sat., June 23, 2012 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. where the family will greet visitors. Funeral Services will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Smith & Kernke Chapel. Marianne will be laid to rest with her husband, Roy, at Memorial Park Cemetery in OKC. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.