Beloved wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother, Judith “Judy” Harris, passed away on April 5th, 2025, surrounded by her family at the age of 81 leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Judy had been going through medical issues since August of 2024 with her daughter by her side. Together they fought this medical battle including numerous trips back and forth to the hospital in Missoula. Jody never left her side.
Judy was born on January 13th, 1944, to Albert “Luke” and Eva Screnar in Helena, MT. She was the second of three children. She attended St. Ann’s Catholic School in East Helena, MT. She graduated high school from Cathedral High school in Helena in 1961. She further extended her education at Carroll College.
While working for the Montana Highway Patrol, she met and married Terry Harris in 1964. On May 8th, 1966, they welcomed their first child Kelly. On September 13th, 1968, their daughter Jody was born. After residing in Great Falls for four years, they returned to Helena in 1972 where they raised their family.
Judy was very active and loved sports. She participated in the local bowling league for many years. In the winter months she loved to hit the slopes with her family. Judy always looked forward to the holiday family gatherings. Her favorite was hosting Christmas dinner, with a dining room table full of food to the late-night board games.
Judy and Terry loved to travel. They took several trips all over the world including London where they got to see Big Ben. While in Rome they visited the Sistine Chapel, The Catacombs and threw three coins in the fountain. In Rio de Janeiro they climbed the mountain to see the Christ the Redeemer statue. Other trips included Hawaii, Sicily, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and a Caribbean Cruise. In addition, they also traveled all over the United States.
Judy’s pride was her family. She always made sure everyone had a full belly and was well taken care of. She fallowed her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids through all of their activities. One of her favorite things to do was taking the children for a stroll through the downtown walking mall usually ending the day at the movies.
In the later years she was very happy to be a member of the “sixtyoneders”. She also enjoyed playing weekly pinochle with her close friends. Throughout her life, Judy was a pillar of strength and compassion, touching the lives of everyone she met. Her generosity, patience, and unwavering support inspired countless individuals, and her memory will continue to be a blessing to all who knew her.
Judy is survived by Terry Harris, daughter Jody Ann Harris, daughter in law Stacy Harris. Grandchildren Brock Harris, Alecia Ann Rusek. Great grandchildren Haven Harris, Mila Morgan, Tinsley Harris. Siblings Jim (Pat) Screnar and Nancy (Mike) O’Dell. Along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son Kelly Harris in 2020. Her parents Luke and Eva Screnar, mother-in-law Margaret “Peg” Harris. Three brothers-in-law; Richard, George, and Phil Harris. Also, many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Judy’s love, kindness, and compassion will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Rest in peace, dear Judy.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday April 13, 2025, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home; 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Monday, April 14, 2025, at Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena. Burial will follow at Forestvale Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at the Valley Hub 4960 N. Montana Avenue Helena, Montana.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
Noon to 2:00 p.m.
Sunday April 13, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Monday April 14, 2025
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
East Helena, Montana
Rite of Committal
Immediately following the funeral Mass
Monday April 14, 2025
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following Committal Rite
Monday April 14, 2025
Valley Hub
4960 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
Noon to 2:00 p.m.
Sunday April 13, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Monday April 14, 2025
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
East Helena, Montana
Rite of Committal
Immediately following the funeral Mass
Monday April 14, 2025
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following Committal Rite
Monday April 14, 2025
Valley Hub
4960 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
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Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Terry and the rest of the family 😢🙏
Tom Naegele says
Prayers 🙏of support for Judy’s Family & Friend’s. She was a very Good Mom and fine Lady. R.I.P. Judy 😇
Dean Retz says
Sue and I are so shocked and sad! We remember all the fun we had years ago with our dinners and things. although we had not seen Judy for a while, we are still very saddened, and surprised. GOD BLESS.
Billie Jo Meglen says
I was so shocked and sad to read about Judy. She was such a bright and fun friend. My deepest sympathy to the family and friends. We will all miss her beautiful smile.
Sandy Owens says
I was so sorry to hear that Judy had passed away. It was so good to see her on Wednesdays at senior center when she was working there. Her mother and dad were my neighbors for many years. She will be missed. R I P Judy 🙏
Jackie Leslie says
Terry and Family I’m So sorry for your loss.Judy was amazing person and will be missed.🌹
Kim and Dave Hewitt says
Dear Harris family,
Our hearts are breaking for you. Judy was such a special lady. I will always remember the fun ski trips our families shared through the years, and all of her kindnesses to us. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
James Wills says
Terry I am so sorry for your loss, from Jim Wills
Carol Jacobsen says
Jody, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. Judy was one of the finest, kindest, most loving, gentle people I have ever known. She added so much to our 60Wonders group. She will be sorely missed
Marty heller says
Judy’s life of love and kindness will always be remembered.
We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Gretchen and Marty Heller❤️
Diane Trankel says
Thinking of you Jody, in this sad time. So sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a sweet lovely woman and it was a pleasure to be her neighbor. 🙂 She was lucky to have you as a daughter…..You were always there for her. 🙂 And you’re pretty cool too. 🙂
Nanette Hicks says
Terry, Jody and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. May all the memories you have keep her close at heart. I never met her but it sounds like she was an amazing woman. Peace be with all of you♥️ Nan
Paul Martello says
Terry, so sorry for your loss. Keep all the memories close to your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time ❤️ 🙏
Carla Hedge says
Dear Terry and family, I am so very sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. My deepest condolences to each member of her family and friend circle. Love, Carla
Mary Westover, Oliver Westover says
Judy love to play pinnacle cards at Eagle 4040 in East Helena
Ron & Pam Novak says
We were saddened to hear about Judy’s passing. We will always remember Judy for her kindness toward our family. She was truly beautiful, inside and out.