Sondria Jo Harrison

Sondria Jo "Sandi" (Soden) Harrison February 23, 1946 ~ December 2, 2012 Loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Sondria Jo "Sandi" (Soden) Harrison left our family and this earth on Sunday, December 2, 2012, after her battle with cancer. Sandi was born on February 23, 1946, in Oxford, AR to Elva McVey Soden and Joseph Soden. She was the last of six children, most all of whom were already married by the time she was born. At age two, she and her parents moved to Orondo, WA, and then to Moxie, WA a couple of years later. Here, they built a lifelong friendship with "aunt" Jeanette, whose daughter, Cathy, became Sandi's cohort in mischief, the first in a long line of prankster alliances. After her father's passing in 1959, she and her mother moved to Wenatchee, WA, where her extended family lived. Other than a short stint in Yakima when Bill was moved with Cascade Gas, the Wenatchee Valley was home. Sandi married Bill Harrison, her "Greek God", in 1962, and they were soon blessed with two sons, but were unable to field a complete baseball lineup as they had hoped. Her love and commitment to her family is legendary. She was a constant presence in their school, sports and extra-curricular activities; her world revolved around her family and children. This world extended to all the "kids" that passed through her life, some related, some not. She treated them as if they were her own, accepting and nurturing each one that walked through her life. Sandi dabbled in many employment ventures, as long as they didn't interfere with keeping a home. She was proud of her many accomplishments with the YWCA (past president), the Nik Nak Shack, Ivy Cottage and finally, YCCS when she lived in Yakima. Sandi's greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren, Courtney and Jack. She devoted her life to providing them with the best childhood any child could ask for from a grandma. She spent hours and hours in the swimming pool with them (rough job!!). There were many cooking experiences that left the kitchen a mess, and the children with a heavy coating of flour, chocolate and kisses. She endured many illnesses/injuries of her extended kids with flu, chicken pox, runny noses, diaper rash and broken bones and worse... all with great strength and undying love. All the children in Heaven have definitely scored a huge bonus today! Yia Yia is there to help take care of you now. Those left on earth, missing her already, include her husband, Bill Harrison of East Wenatchee; son, Ken and his loving wife, Barb Harrison of Spokane Valley, WA; granddaughter, Courtney Jo Harrison of Spokane Valley, WA; grandson, Airman First Class Jack William Harrison of Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri; sister, Evelyn and husband, Orbra Ward of Melbourne, AR; in addition to numerous cousins, nieces and nephews here in Washington and Arkansas, and friends everywhere. Also surviving is son, Randy Harrison of Orlando, FL. Sandi was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Ray (died as an infant), Thelbert Soden and Doyle Soden; sister, Faye Soden Lintner; and her cousin, Roy (he saved a spot on the swing for her!) The family would like to express immense gratitude to the staffs of The Wenatchee Valley Clinic, Central Washington Hospital Home Care and Hospice, and Highline Care Center for the incredible loving care they showed Sandi and the family during this difficult time. A special expression of gratitude is also extended to family and friends who have been so faithful in their love and support, especially "Pal" Hal and "Mar Mar" Troy, Janet Campbell, Pete and Diane Harrison, and niece, Lynda, who got to be Sandi's "little girl", since Sandi didn't have her own. The Harrison family would like to invite you to attend a Celebration of Sandi's Life on Saturday, December 8, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. at the Eastmont Baptist Church, 400 S. Kentucky Avenue, East Wenatchee. Telford's Chapel of the Valley is in charge of making these arrangements. Please bring your most precious (ridiculous/hilarious/crazy) memories and pictures to share at the service. We want to remember her as she would have expected and send her off in grand style! Memorial gifts may be made to Central Washington Hospital Hospice, 1020 N. Wenatchee Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801 or Cancer Care of North Central Washington, 1708 Castlerock Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801.

Sondria Jo Harrison

February 23, 1946 - December 2, 2012