Kendra Rose Harris

Kendra Rose Harris

Conklin

Kendra Rose Harris, 58, was born to Janice and Fred Hoogstraat in Muskegon. She passed away June 22, 2024 at home. Kendra was only four years old when her father died. It made her keenly aware of the importance of family and making the most of the time she had with people she loved every single day.

She was a proud graduate of the Fruitport High School Class of 1983. She loved helping organize reunions and making sure people stayed in touch. Despite her declining health, she was very happy to be able to attend their 40th reunion last summer.

Kendra was a force of nature. She lived life out loud. She was fiercely protective of her people and did everything she could to help her loved ones, sometimes working three jobs to make ends meet. She was a nurse's aide at Knollview Manor for many years and later worked in Mercy Hospital's emergency room. She also drove a school bus for Coopersville and Kent City schools. Kendra was also very creative. She made amazingly soft blankets, fun gourd birdhouses and many other crafts. She loved delivering goodies from her garden to people every summer. She loved going to her grandkids sporting and school events and to the casino with her girlfriends.

The last dozen years of her life were her happiest. She married the love of her life, Bruce, in a wonderful outdoor ceremony in their backyard in 2014. She loved being home with him watching Jeopardy and she loved having "the kids" and everyone else over for a barbecue or just to hang out.

Bruce's death in February was a vicious blow to her heart and already ailing body and she entered hospice care at home soon after. It helps our hearts a little to think how happy they are to be reunited.

Kendra is survived by her children, Gary Eichholtz, Kylie Eichholtz Thompson, Donald (Estella) Rohm and Bruce (Janeel) Harris lll, grandchildren Layne, Adam, Emma, Jaxson, Lillienn, Brycen, Gracelyn, Harlyn, Cole, and Hayes, brother Larry (Sandy) Hoogstraat, mother-in-law Luella Harris, sisters-in-law Cindy Roush and Carmen (Don Bennett) Harris, brother-in-law Brian (Tracy) Harris, lifelong best friends Robin Wovolek and Beth Norwick, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and a host of kids "from another mother." She excelled at accepting people for who they were and once you were part of her tribe, you were hers forever.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bruce Harris Jr., father-in-law Bruce Harris Sr. and brother-in-law, Tom Roush.

A Celebration of Life will take place Sunday, August 11 from 1-4 at Fruitport Eagles, 3354 S. Dangl Road.

Arrangements by Phoenix/Clock.