Helen Jo Harris was born in Campbell, Missouri on Thursday, April 6, 1944 to the late Helen M. Goldsmith Peterson and Chester L. Peterson. She departed this life on Monday, October 5, 2026 in Bernie at the age of 82 years, 5 months and 29 days.

Helen worked as the activity director at General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell for several years before retiring. She attended SEMO Community Church in Malden. Helen loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and was a huge supporter of all of their sporting events.

On June 9, 1962, in Campbell, Missouri, Helen Peterson was united in marriage to Kenneth Ray Harris. He preceded her in death on March 7, 2023.

Also preceding her in death were her granddaughter, Abbey Harris and grandson, Logan Harris, an infant sister, Genda Faye Peterson; sister, Patricia Laws, and brother, Bill Peterson.

Her survivors include: Daughter, Melanie Jo Durham and husband Jason of Campbell; Three sons, Kenneth Ray Harris, Jr. and fiance'e Jessica Hatton of Dexter; Bryan Harris and wife Sabrina of Malden; Michael Harris and wife Rewa of Dexter; Grandchildren, Michael Harris and wife Jessica; Justin DeVers and wife Danielle; Darrin Conn-Harris and wife Brandi; Nathan Harris; Madyson Harris; Aubree Lemarr and husband Kyle; Lydia Garner and husband Dusty; Levi Harris; Cierra Harris; Ethan Harris and wife Anna; and Easton Durham. Great grandchildren, Ellisyn Lemarr; Dylan Spencer; Tanner Spencer; Kenzley Harris; Brenden DeVers; Lynzie DeVers; Shayden Conn-Harris; Danyl Conn-Harris; Taylinn Conn-Harris; Gabriella Con-Harris and Allison Con-Harris; Kennedy Harris; Ezra Garner; and soon to come, Harrison Lemarr; sister, Connie Hawley of Green Valley, AZ; brothers, James “Pete” Peterson and Roy Peterson both of Dittmer, MO and Dan Peterson of Campbell, MO.

Visitation will begin at 11 AM Thursday, October 8, 2026 at Landess Funeral Home in Malden. The funeral service will follow at 1 PM Thursday, October 8, 2026 at the Landess Funeral Chapel in Malden with Rev. Mark Pickard officiating. Interment will be in Rosewood 1st Addition Cemetery in Malden, Missouri. Landess Funeral Home in Malden is in charge of the arrangements