Delores M. Harris

4/5/1932 — 1/29/2026

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Delores Maine Harris was born on April 5, 1932, in Nekoma, N.D., to Oscar and Maine Medalen. She passed away Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in Lewiston. Growing up, she spent time in North Dakota, Seattle, and later her family settled in Kendrick where she met her husband, Jerry Harris. Jerry and Delores were married Jan. 4, 1952. Together they raised their four children, Linda Gentry (Shorty), Duane Harris (Elaine), Keith Harris (Patti) and Gerlene Hattan (Wayne). They spent many of their years raising kids in Lewiston and Orofino before building their forever home in Lewiston. She delighted in her nine grandkids and 13 great-grandkids. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, grandson, Dennis Harris and siblings, Glenna Wood, and Allen Medalen. Proudly Norwegian, she carried that heritage with her in spirit, strength, and the occasional well-placed “Uffda.”

Jerry and Delores spent much of their life dedicated to Jerry’s career with Les Schwab Tire Center. They had the opportunity to travel domestically and internationally representing Les and his company. Some of their favorite spots included trips to Hawaii, the Bahamas and Australia. On one of the trips, Les observed an interaction between Jerry and Delores. Delores was taking charge and dealing with all of the luggage as they were checking out of the hotel. Jerry sat in the hotel lobby reading the newspaper while she handled everything. Les was so amused, he added that story to the book that he wrote. They also spent time traveling through different states in the U.S. learning about their family history and heritage.

Delores loved her family with her whole heart. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy. She always showed up for them, traveling out of town and out of state to attend games, performances and milestones. Delores was fiercely protective and had a strong sense of what was fair. She was not afraid to speak up or challenge anyone when something was not right. She was fearless and well known for stepping in to fight battles, even for her very capable older brother. She was steady, loyal and endlessly supportive. She continued driving her car well into her ninety third year. When she eventually traded in her car keys for scooter keys, she zipped through the halls at Evergreen Estates so quickly that staff had to ask her to slow down—earning her the nickname, Speedy.

Delores showed her love in practical, unforgettable ways. To many people, she was simply Grammy. She had a gift for making others feel cared for, especially children, and she always kept a closet full of gifts she shopped for year-round. Gram also loved baking and feeding people. If she knew your favorite food, she made it often and in quantities that suggested she was feeding a small army. Lefse, strawberry pizza, casseroles, homemade candies, caramel corn and fifty dollar cookies (peanut butter between Ritz crackers dipped in chocolate) were legendary. Most people in her life had a favorite Gram food, and she took that responsibility seriously. Potlucks were better when she showed up, and nobody ever left hungry.

As she got older, she loved time that moved a little slower. Gram loved sitting outside soaking in the sunshine. She was known for her Norwegian glow. The lake was one of her favorite places, especially when it meant being surrounded by family and neighbors. She could play cards for hours playing pinochle, rummy and hand and foot. She often came in last, and she did not care at all. The cards were just an excuse to be together.

Gonzaga men’s basketball was non-negotiable. Her television was always set for the game. She might miss a personal appointment, but she would never miss Gonzaga. She loved talking about the players, analyzing the matchups and debriefing every game in full detail. When Gonzaga played, the world stopped.

At the end of her life, Grammy looked forward to dancing again with Pops, Jerry, the love of her life. Delores Harris lived her life by showing up, loving big, feeding people well and standing up for others. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

There will be a private family gathering at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 6, at the Southwick Cemetery.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Life Care Center of Lewiston for the loving care, dignity and kindness shown during her time there.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in her name, to the J-K Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 182 Kendrick, ID 83537, the Kendrick Memorial Pool, P.O. Box 195, Kendrick, ID 83537 or to a charity of your choice.

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