Ansta Joy Harris

Ansta Joy Fernelius Harris returned to her Heavenly home on the evening of Monday, January 15, 2024. She was an example of diligence and determination, even to her last breath.  Ansta was born on October 5, 1934, in Ogden, Utah, and was the youngest of four children.

Ansta grew up in a musically talented family and was an accomplished pianist.  Her love for music lasted her lifetime.  As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Ansta willingly shared her musical talents on the piano and as a ward chorister.  She blessed the lives of her family and others through her love of music. 

As a child Ansta enjoyed ballet and tap dancing.  A highlight of her young dancing career was performing in the Nutcracker as a Russian dancer. 

Dancing ultimately led her to find Keith Harris, who became her husband and faithful dance partner.  Their artistry on the dance floor was unmatched.  Ansta and Keith were married on May 24, 1973 and made their home in River Heights, Utah.  On her birthday in 1999, they were sealed in the Logan Temple. Together they loved to dance, garden, make delicious dutch oven meals and soups, entertain friends, travel, spend time at Bear Lake and get together with family. Bear Lake became a treasured location for Ansta as she spent many priceless weekends there with her family.

Ansta worked for the IRS for 30 years, ultimately becoming the head supervisor of her department.  She was honored on multiple occasions for her outstanding leadership and service and had the opportunity to travel to many places to share her expertise with others.

Ansta’s family was of utmost importance to her.  Her three children Bryce, Cathie and Mike filled her life with joy.  Ansta loved celebrating and meticulously decorating for holidays, each one serving as a reason to bring her children and their families together.  Ansta’s most treasured title was that of grandma.  Her love was uniquely individual to each one of her grandchildren. 

Ansta had a quick wit and knew everything about everything. Her children called her Dr. Harris, in jest, because she could, and did, diagnose everyone’s current ailments and prescribe the necessary steps to a cure. Even though her children struggled to give her credit for being correct, she most often was. 

Ansta is survived by her children Cathie (Rick) Olsen, Mike (Cherie) Child and Maury Harris (stepson) along with 9 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, with one on the way. She is preceded in death by her husband Maurice Keith Harris, son Bryce Child, parents Cleavy & Etta Fernelius, siblings Byrne (Jean) Fernelius, Keith (Betty) Fernelius and Ettalue (Richard) Nelson. 

The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the staff at Birch Creek Assisted Living for their heartfelt and genuine compassion in caring for Ansta. 

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 1 at 11 a.m. at the River Heights church building, 800 S. 600 E., River Heights.  Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation Wednesday, January 31 from 6-8 p.m. at Allen Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street, Logan or Thursday at the River Heights church building, prior to the funeral, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Uintah Cemetery.