In Memory

Ina C McHenry (Harris) - Class Of 1937

Ina C McHenry (Harris)

Ina Harris' four children could always pick out their stylish mom in a crowd because of her beautiful silver hair. It was her trademark since her early 30s, they said, and it was her most striking physical characteristic. The community-oriented, friendly woman lived in Long Beach since 1940 and the Alamitos Bay area since 1950. She had a smile for everyone, loved to laugh and was a ''beach gal,'' said daughter Marsha Fisher.

On Septenber 22, 1998, Harris passed away from heart failure and, in accordance with her wishes, her ashes were scattered at sea. Harris was born on June 19, 1919, in Nebraska and graduated from South Pasadena High School in 1937. She attended USC for two years and met her husband, Willie, during their college years when he was working as a lifeguard at Bay Shore. They were married for 57 years.

The active housewife enjoyed traveling to Europe and Palm Springs. She kept busy with her two bridge clubs and organizations like the Rick Rackers, Dames Club, American Red Cross, and the Alamitos Bay Garden Club. She was a charter member of the Friends of Cedar House and a life member of the Long Beach Assistance League. Harris made a mean meatloaf but Fisher said she was much better at making restaurant reservations. ''Let me put it to you this way,'' Fisher said. ''We did not come home for her cooking. We came to see her.''

She is survived by her husband Willard; sons, Richard, William and Robert; daughter, Marsha; grandchildren, Matthew and Scott Fisher and Rhonda Gallagher; and three great-grandchildren, Alexandria, Daniel and Madison.Long Beach Pr

Press-Telegram, September 25, 1998