"Jack, Kathy & Mary: I am deeply saddened by your Mom's passing. As sudden and unexpected as it was, it shows the closeness she and your Dad had for each other and that she couldn't be away from him long. I will miss her. I am so glad I was able to talk to her at your Dad's visitation. It meant alot to me. As Tom, Julie and Joan noted in their messages, your Mom was a wonderful memory of our youth. I cannot tell you the number of times she steered me from trouble at school or ran interference with the principal on my behalf. After high school, everytime I saw her I was met with a hug and kiss and a reminder that I was her boyfriend. She will always be on my list of all-time favorite people. I am sorry I could not attend her funeral - I had to be out of town for work. Hold the memories of them close to your heart, I know I will."
In loving memory of
Dorothy M. Harbor
February 28, 2010
Dorothy Mary Harbor, one of two children of Arthur Enis Steele and Edna Blanche (Brown) Steele, was born on October 1, 1924, in Carson, Iowa. Dorothy grew up in Carson and graduated from Carson High School in 1942. While in high school, she was very proud to have won the Iowa State typing contest, giving her the opportunity to attend Omaha University for two years. Following college, she then worked for the Greyhound Bus Corporation as a tour guide for three years.
On May 3, 1947, Dorothy and William Morris Harbor were married in the Presbyterian Church Parsonage in Council Bluffs, Iowa. They made their home in Henderson and in May 1947, purchased the grocery store in Henderson. Dorothy and Morris owned and operated the store for 27 years, selling it in August of 1974. While working at the store, Dorothy loved the community and being in contact with the people. In 1974, she began working at Nishna Valley School as the principal's secretary and was clerk for the school's hot lunch program. Dorothy retired in 1991.
Dorothy and Morris's marriage was blessed with one son, Jack William Harbor. The family were members of the Henderson Christian Church where Dorothy enjoyed playing the organ for services. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, and in recent years, a member of the Henderson Red Hats. Among her other enjoyments were her love of music, shopping, talking on the telephone, and having coffee with her friends at the Henderson Community Building. Her greatest joy was spending time with her granddaughter.
Dorothy and Morris had been married 62 years when Morris passed away on February 7, 2010. Following his death, Dorothy moved to the Good Samaritan Center in Red Oak, Iowa, where she passed away on February 28, 2010, after suffering a stroke earlier in the week. She had attained the age of 85 years, 4 months, and 27 days. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband Morris; brother Wendell Steele; brother-in-law Jack Gambel; and niece Teri Drake.
Dorothy is survived by her son Jack Harbor and wife Kathy, and granddaughter, Mary Harbor, all of Emerson; sisters-in-law, Betty Steele of Sacramento, California and Arlene Gamble of Long Beach, California; nieces, Jackie Laurin and Patti Mugleston, both of Sacramento; and many friends.
Burial in Carson Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to Nishna Valley Student Loan Fund.
Tributes
"Jack and family. My heart goes out to you at this most difficult time. Both of your parents were wonderful people who were beloved by the entire Nishna Valley family thru the years. Thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Jack and family, what can I say about your Mother, what a doll! I have the best memories of going down to Harbor Grocery and visiting with your mom, of course all of us kids were regulars there which was obvious when mom would get the "charge account" bill in the mail!! I only remember your mom with a smile on her face, ALWAYS! The great memories at NV stopping to chat it up with her during the day....it was much better than heading off to class. I found myself coming up with all sorts of excuses to go to the office! Dorothy cared so much for our family and that is something I will always keep close to my heart. God Bless you and your parents, they will be truly missed."
"Jack & family, I am so sorry to hear of your mother's death. Your parents were wonderful people and your Mom and I had a special connection since we shared the same birthdate. Your parents will be greatly missed and you and your family are in my prayers as you learn to live without them here on earth. Heaven must be rocking with both our Moms in charge. Love, Sheryl and family"
"Jack and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I seems your parents could not be apart for long, now they are together for eternity. Both of them were an inspiration to all in the Henderson / NV Community. They were truly exceptional in so many ways, always kind, generous, honest and friendly. It was clear they really cared. I have so many fond memories growing up in Henderson. Your Mother was so nice to the Neppl clan, happy to keep an eye out for us and of course would let our parents know if we were "out of line" - all good. The fact is she probably kept us out of real trouble. I recall a conversation she had with me when she heard I was getting married, she was very concerned and wanted to make sure I had made the right choice and was ready for the commitment. It was Dorothy being herself, always caring. If Henderson was a "den" then she was the Mother! God Bless and sincere condolences on your loss, keep the memories close to your heart."
"jack and family, we were so sad to hear about morrie and dorothy-we are better people for having known them. they were wonderful neighbors and our boys thought the world of them, as we all did. thinking of you, teeny mastin, josh,del, murphy and kristi"
"Jack, We were saddened to hear of the passing of your dad and then shocked to hear of your mom's death so soon after. They will be together in eternity also. Your mom was a fixture at Nishna Valley and part of the heritage. Our sympathy to you and your family. Her legacy will always be remembered. Brett and Elaine Barns"
"My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Morris and Dorothy were always such friendly people whom I looked forward to seeing at community and school events. I fondly remember Dorothy substituting in the school office after her retirement and opening the morning with a joyful "Good morning, Nishna Valley" over the intercom as we all stood to say the Pledge of Allegience. I will miss her warm smile and gentle spirit. God Bless. "
"Jack, Kathy, and Mary, Our sympathies to you all. Dorothy and Morris were so loved and will be dearly missed for many years to come. Morris' gentle smile and always patient while Dorothy worked the crowd, Dorothy hollering out the window at us kids in high school...just to say 'how ya doing today kiddo?' and when punching our lunch tickets she always had a kind or encouraging thought to share with EACH of us students. These are just a few of the memories that we will hold dear. Mary you are a beauty and I know that your grandparents and parents are so proud of the young lady that you are becoming. Love and prayers to you all during this difficult time of loss. Brad, Kattie, Parker, & Grant Lewis"
"Jack, Kathy & Mary... We are so sorry for your loss. It's not easy for those who are left behind but I hope there is comfort in knowing that mom & dad are together again. Both your parents were a blessing to their family, friends, and community. I always enjoyed talking with your mom. She was such a hoot and would always asked me about what's new with those "Smith kids". Our thoughts, prayers, and hearts are with you all. Deb & Terry Smith"
"I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Harbor's passing. She has a special place in heaven for how wonderful she was here! She had such a great spirit and was always so happy and fun. She made each day brighter at NV with her infectious laugh, fabulous smile, and funny jokes. I will never forget the time she gave a rallying speach at a football pep rally...she told the boys to go kick some Panther a@@...she got a standing ovation...everyone love her! She will be forever in my fondest memories at NV. God Bless her and her family."
"What a truly sincere, fun loving, beautiful person heaven just received. I loved everytime we saw Dorothy that she would always great us with a smile. She has known me since I was a young child going to church in Henderson. She was also kind enough to play music at my wedding. The memories she made for a lot of people are beyond priceless. Our condolensces are with the Harbor family. "
"Jack and Family....so very sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad and then your wonderful Mom. I cannot imagine the pain you must be feeling and I only hope your faith, other family and friends can help you through all this. While I didn't know your Dad, I knew Dorothy well from school. She was a "mom" to most every kid who went to NV while she was there....what a GREAT woman! Please know you are in the thoughts and prayers of many. I also think the Student Loan fund is a wonderful idea for memorials and your folks would be honored. Thinking of you, Kim (Wright) Landon (NV Class of 1979)"
"Dear Jack and family, While we were long gone from Henderson by the time you arrived, we knew your parents as an important part of the Henderson community. We are sorry you have lost both of your parents this past month - and know you must have a great sense of loss. Your mother was always full of life, greeted one with a big smile - and so friendly. Please know you do not walk alone during this sad time in your life. Many thoughts and prayers are with you - May God Bless you and yours. Stan and Shirley Duysen - Rio Vista, CA."
"Jack and family, words can not adequately express the sorrow I feel for you to lose both of your wonderful parents so quickly. I loved your mother, she was the most awesome person, I have so many great memories of her hanging out the window in the front office at NV checking out what was going on and seeing who she could find to talk to. She was a talker. The wonderful days when she owned the store. She made the Neppl family feel so welcomed when we moved to Henderson in 1972. It was a great place to grow up and just know that God needed a bright star in heaven and that star was your mother. She is now center stage. God Bless you. I wish I could be there for the funeral but you are in my familie's prayers."
"Jack, Kathy and Mary, So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother and father. You are remembered in our thoughts and prayers."
"Dear Jack & Kathy, So sorry to hear about your mother's passing. I have fond memories of Dorothy from when she worked at the Grocery store in Henderson and of course, from Nishna Valley. Dorothy & Morry will be greatly missed."
"Jack, Kathy, and Mary, So sorry to hear of your Mom/Grandmother's passing. Your parents are a big part of Henderson's history, and my heart is deeply saddened by their passing. I always tried to go see them when I was back in Henderson, and I always so enjoyed our visits. I have many fond memories of them in the grocery store, at the school, and various places in Henderson and their home. Know that Joe and I are thinking of you, and we are here for you. Bam and Joe"
"Jack and Kathy, So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. May John 14 give you comfort during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Arlene and Tim Stanek"
"I work at Ladies Apparel Shop in Shenandoah and have enjoyed Dorothy as a wonderful customer and Morris too. They will both be missed for their lively spirits. Dorothy always stayed to chat with all of us working even if Morris was waiting. She always kept us up-to-date on you Mary, she was so very proud of her growing up grand daughter. My sympathy to all of you and her church family too."
"Jack, So sorry about your parents. Always enjoyed talking to them. They will be missed by every one that knew them. You are in our prayers nd thoughts. Christy and Maurice Myers"
"Jack and family,Your parents were our first neighbors and great ones,too. Sorry you had to loose them so close together but now they are together again. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. From: Larry and Annie"
"Jack, Kathy and Mary, So sorry to hear of you Mother and Grandmother's passing. She was a great lady that I realy enjoyed speaking with. She will be missed in our little town of Henderson. We have now lost two very speical people in our commuity. know that many people are thinking of you all at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you..Toni Amanda John Jamie and Angie Casson Tati and Nate and Erv Moore...."