Violet Elaine Harris, 68

Violet Elaine Harris, 68, of Round Butte went on to meet her lord and savior Jesus Christ on Sept. 22, 2021 at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan.

Violet was born July 14, 1953 to Sonny and Janie Chisholm in Kalispell. She was preceded in death by Janie Chisholm, her mom, and grandparents Bill and Mary Chubb and Renn Chisholm. Violet is survived by her dad, Sonny Chisholm; Herb Harris, her husband; children Joshua (Shianne) Harris and Stacy Harris (Callahan Belling); grandchildren Madison Harris, Brennan Harris, Cort Belling and Hayes Harris; siblings Barb (Virgil) Rinke, Bill (Judy) Chisholm, Thom (Brandy) Chisholm and Jen (Jeff) Brander; her aunt, Billie Chubb; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In high school she participated in track and field, cross country, band and choir. After graduation from high school Violet moved to Kalispell and found work at Moose’s Saloon, where she was given the nickname “Tulip.”

Violet didn’t have a vehicle to drive home and she hadn’t seen mom and dad for a while, so she decided to take her new 10-speed pedal bike. So one Saturday in spring she headed for home and she made it to the train tracks just outside of Kalispell, where she wrecked the bike. Determined as she was, she set out again the following Saturday, this time making it past the tracks only to realize that the “Big Draw” runs uphill. She told Mom she wasn’t doing that again, so Mom drove her back to Kalispell. The bike was stolen shortly after.

On Nov. 16, 1974 she married the love of her life, Herb Harris at Hot Springs, and she made clear she was not a “Suzie homemaker” or a “broodmare'.” Together they enjoyed many adventures in life, from the joys and trials of ranch life, to the thousands of miles she drove to rodeos throughout Montana and Canada.

On March 18, 1981 she gave birth to her son, Joshua Wyatt Harris. She gave Herb his forever team roping partner. Five years later, on April 27, 1986, she gave birth to the real cowboy in the family, Stacy Kayleen Harris. Violet enjoyed the rodeo lifestyle and enjoyed competing in barrel racing and supporting her family any way she could. Violet had a gentle and understanding hand when breaking and starting colts — even those darn bucking ponies when her and Barb were kids.

Violet and her dearest friend, Zana Lytle, founded the Western Montana Cowgirl’s Association. The organization led the way for many young cowboys and cowgirls to participate in the rodeo arena.

Violet’s most treasured moments were spent loving and spoiling her four grandkids: Madison, 13, Brennan, 11, Cort, 8 and Hayes, 2 months.

Violet was an active member of the Order of Eastern Star; she was a 50-year member. She was Past Worthy Matron of Cathryn C. Johnson Chapter #132 Hot Springs. She was a Grand representative and served on many Grand Chapter Committees. She took pride in the work she did for the Shriner’s Children's Hospital in Spokane. She spent countless hours creating flower arrangements for family and friends for many different occasions.

Violet was a devoted member of the Faith Lutheran Church of Ronan. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be sent to Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 1, 2021 at Faith Lutheran Church. Arrangements are under the care of Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home.