April 9, 1941 – April 4, 2025
With peaceful hearts and abiding love, we announce the passing of our beloved Margaret Diane Haight Harris, affectionately known as Diane, on Friday, April 4, 2025, in Eagle, Idaho, surrounded by her loving family.
Diane was born on April 9, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the eldest of four children of Harold Don Haight and Margaret Harvey Haight.
She was raised in Salt Lake City and graduated from Olympus High School in 1959. She pursued her passion for education at Brigham Young University, where she prepared to become a secondary school teacher. While at BYU, she met her future husband, Joseph William Harris Jr., during a collaborative project between their social units. After Joe’s graduation in April 1961, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on August 24, 1961, by Apostle Marion G. Romney, a childhood friend of Joe’s father.
Together, Diane and Joe shared 58 cherished years of marriage before his passing in 2019. They raised their four children in Southern California, with their life’s journey taking them to Oregon, Florida, Nevada, Utah, and the Hawaiian Islands—where they lived on both Maui and Kauai. Diane was honored at her 60th high school reunion for having lived in the most states (eight) for at least six months.
After a time in Draper, Utah, the couple moved to Nampa, Idaho, in 2002, where Diane spent 11 years as a reading teacher in the Kuna School District—a position she loved dearly.
Two years after Joe’s passing, Diane moved to Bridgeview Independent Living in Twin Falls, Idaho, where she flourished in community life. She enjoyed leading the choir, planning activities, and sharing in the joy of companionship and purpose. At age 82, she published her first novel, Fashionably Late, inspired by her lifelong love of reading.
A Life of Love and Faith
Diane had a profound gift for making others feel seen, included, and loved. Her sincere attentiveness and heartfelt encouragement lifted the lives of all who knew her. Her greatest joy came from her family—spending time with her children, 16 grandchildren, their spouses, and her great-grandchildren was her most treasured blessing.
A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Diane served in many callings, including Stake and Ward Young Women’s President and Ward Relief Society President. Her testimony was evident in the over 20,000 names she personally indexed in her genealogical work. Her devotion to temple attendance, her unwavering faith, and her deep love for the Savior were a sustaining strength throughout her life.
Survived By
- Children:
- John Hyrum Harris (Susan)
- Laura Diane Hales (Brent)
- Janel Marie Williams (Brad)
- Carol Lynn McNairy
- Grandchildren:
- Tyler Harris (Courtney)
- Joseph Harris (Susan)
- Alexis Gardner (Mitch)
- Kristine Dalmas (Josh)
- Derrick Hales (Alicia)
- Lauren Hales (Brooklyn)
- Ashley Hales (Justin)
- Alec Hales (Maddie)
- Mae Hales (Hunter)
- Emilee Jardine (Marcus)
- Harrison Williams (Lindsay)
- Lindsey Williams
- Katelyn Williams
- Abigail Williams
- Marina McNairy
- Maika McNairy
- Great-Grandchildren:
- Kingsley Harris
- Beckett Harris
- Hannah Harris
- Graham Harris
- Nora Harris
- Brynlee Gardner
- Landon Gardner
- Jane Hales
- Heath Hales
- Audrey Hales
- Jonah Gonzalez
- Millie Mae Hales
- Hudson Jardine
- Logan Jardine
- Sister: Kathy Hodgman (Gary)
Preceded in Death By
- Husband: Joseph William Harris Jr.
- Son: William Joseph Harris
- Parents: Harold and Margaret Haight
- Sister: Rosemary Grennan
- Brother: Robert Haight
- Brother-in-law: John Grennan
Service Details
Funeral Service:
🕚 Saturday, April 19, 2025 – 11:00 AM
📍 Banbury Ward Meetinghouse
6375 N. Royal Park Ave, Boise, ID
Viewing:
🕙 Saturday, April 19, 2025 – 10:00 AM
📍 Same location
Burial:
📅 Tuesday, April 22, 2025
📍 Salt Lake City Cemetery, Salt Lake City, Utah
