ELEANOR LOUISE SUESS HARRIS Eleanor Harris passed away on her 102nd birthday April 4, 2014 at Arbor Springs in Opelika, Alabama. She was born April 4, 1912 in McCook, Nebraska to Louis & Ethel Suess. She grew up in McCook and later studied violin at Julliard School of Music in New York City. She received a Bachelor's degree from the University Of Nebraska and a Master's Degree in Music Education from Columbia University. While studying at Columbia University, she met John T. Harris, a native of Opelika, AL who was working in New York City. They were married in Auburn, AL on April 9, 1936. In 1942 they returned to the Harris Family Farm near Opelika, AL. In 1945 they moved to McCook, Nebraska to operate the Suess family business (DeGroff's Department Store) and ranch. John T. and Eleanor retired to the family farm in Opelika in 1976. Eleanor traveled the world extensively and visited all 50 states. She gave generously of her time and talents to civic and arts organizations. She founded the Museum of the High Plains in McCook and cofounded with her husband John T., the Museum of East Alabama in Opelika. She was on the first Nebraska Arts Council Board and served for many years. She also served on the board of the Mid States Arts Alliance, an arts council serving a 6 state region. She played the violin and piano beautifully and performed and taught all of her life. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Opelika and a longtime member of the First Congregational Church in McCook. Eleanor was a devoted wife and mother and raised 6 boys with her husband John T. Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, husband John T., sisters Gertrude Brumbaugh & Martha Suess, and sons Bill & Paul Harris. She is survived by her sons: John T. Harris Jr (Karen) of Lincoln, NE, Bob Harris (Diane) of Auburn, AL, Bert Harris (Paula) of Opelika, AL, Jim Harris of Lincoln, NE, Daughters in law MarySue Harris of Lincoln, NE, and Ileta Harris of Larned, KS, 13 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. She is also survived by Sam Sangsom (Jan) of Opelika, AL and their 2 children and 2 grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Opelika on Saturday April 12, 2014 at 2:00pm. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. Memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church 702 Ave A Opelika, AL 36801, First Congregational Church 212 East E St. McCook, NE 69001, Museum of East Alabama 121 South 9th St Opelika, AL 36801, and Museum of the High Plains 413 Norris Ave McCook, NE 69001.www.FrederickDean.com Funerals & Cremations Since 1900