Bonnie Harris

Bonnie was born in LeRoy Kansas on April 15, 1934 to Elza Charles Edwards and Erma Letita Kessinger Edwards, the second of four sisters and two brothers. Bonnie and her older sister were born at home, Martha cost $10.00 and Bonnie $15.00. Bonnie left us on November 10, 2020 with her daughters by her side.

When Bonnie was about two years old, the family moved to Roswell NM where her father owned a watch repair shop on Main Street across from the Chaves County Court House for almost 32 years. Often commandeering the courthouse lawn for a playground. They lived in the rear of the watch shop until 1944 when they moved to a 5 room house.

Bonnie married Allen Harris on March 9th, 1951 in Roswell, NM. Bonnie’s initial cooking skills were limited to boiling water and making tuna salad (which Allen subsequently refused to eat for the rest of his life). Bonnie soon became an accomplished cook, placing first several times with her pies in different contests.

Bonnie, Allen and their infant son Lane moved to Carlsbad, NM in 1953 where Allen started his career with Hamilton Roofing Company. Three more children - Donna, Leslie and Jerry – were added to the mix before moving to Artesia in 1966 when Allen opened a branch of Hamilton Roofing Company.

After retirement in 1980, Bonnie and Allen moved to Hagerman and embraced the farming life. In addition to the farm in Hagerman, Bonnie and Allen also purchased a ranch east of Lake Arthur in 1987 then back to farming in Hagerman in 1989 prior to moving back to Artesia in 2000.

Bonnie was an active member of the Methodist Church, Order of Eastern Star and Altrusa. In addition to playing dominoes and card games, Bonnie loved to sew, embroider, knit and crochet – the passion for which she passed along to her daughters. Bonnie and Allen loved watching their children and grandchildren participate in various sporting activities.

Bonnie is survived by her children Donna Cisco (Jack), Leslie Blount (Sam) and Jerry Harris (Laurie); grandchildren AJ Cisco (Andrea), Jodi Cisco, Colton Cisco (Jessica), Amanda Underwood (Miguel), Cody Underwood (Vicki), Chance Underwood (Lindsey), Bryan Harris, Kevin Harris, Lauren Quintana, Dalton Quintana, Aeson Harris, Carrie McDonald (Adam); 14 great grandchildren; sisters Martha Novak and Carolyn Vassel (Bruno) and sister-in-law Ernestine Harrison along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Allen to whom she was married 51 years; son Lane; sister Pat Klein; and two brothers who died in infancy.

The family gives a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Artesia Nursing and Rehab for their care and love given to Bonnie.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.