Violet Elaine Harris
courtesy photo
Violet Elaine Harris
RONAN — 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 to Sonny and Janie Chisholm July 14, 1953, in Kalispell.
She is preceded in death by Janie Chisholm, her mom; and her grandparents, Bill and Mary Chubb and Renn Chisholm.
Violet is survived by her dad, Sonny Chisholm; Herb Harris, her husband; her children, Joshua (Shianne) Harris, Stacy Harris (Callahan Belling); her grandchildren, Madison Harris, Brennan Harris, Cort Belling and Hayes Harris; her siblings: Barb (Virgil) Rinke, Bill (Judy) Chisholm, Thom (Brandy) Chisholm, 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 ten-speed pedal bike one Saturday in spring and head for home. She made it to the train tracks just outside of Kalispell and 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 made it home and 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, in Hot Springs and 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 WMCA, Western Montana Cowgirl’s Association. This 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 in 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, Washington.
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.
Services have been held. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be sent to Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane.
