Constance Harris

Constance W. Harris, 88, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, at Monticello House in Jackson.

She was born Oct. 29, 1920, in Kankakee, Ill., daughter of Clinton D. and Celia Butler Hartley. She and Charles Harris were married Oct. 29, 1938, in Kentucky. He died May 3, 1983.

Constance was a devoted wife and was very supportive of her husband's endeavors and contributions to the community.

She worked at Kassel Studio for several years and was also involved in Tanksley Trucking and Harris Truck and Trailer.

She was an avid gardener, loved writing, was a founding member of Cape County Writers Guild, a Girl Scout leader, member of Centenary United Methodist Church, and served on many school and church committees when the daughters were young. She also had a special love of music and literature and enjoyed reading in her later years.

Constance had been in declining health for years.

Survivors include three daughters, Patricia Leavell of Dallas, Marsha Clark and Charlotte Nenninger of Cape Girardeau; a sister-in-law, Laverne Hartley of Cape Girardeau; six grandchildren, Mary P. Cochran of Dallas, Paul D. Pettigrew of Plano, Texas, Don S. Godwin Jr. of New York, Kathryn A. Vangilder of Cape Girardeau, Todd C. Nenninger of Los Angeles, Constance O. Nenninger of Kansas City, Kan.; two great-grandchildren, Charles W. Pettigrew and Claire A. Pettigrew of Plano; a nephew, Tom H. Gerhardt of Onekama, Mich.; and a niece, Mary K. Welker of Cape Girardeau.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a brother, Dale Hartley.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jeff Long officiating. A private burial for the family only will follow at Cape County Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be given to Alzheimer's Association, American Heart Association or Community Counseling Center.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.