Harriet Gertrude Haley was born to Lloyd J. Haley and Mary G. Haley in Tiffin, Ohio on December 22, 1933. Growing up on a farm during the Great Depression she was instilled with the virtues of personal responsibility, thrift, and hard work. Later she passed these traits on to her sons. The farm had an outhouse rather than indoor plumbing and horses rather than tractors. Everyone did their share, and more. As the men worked the fields Harriet drove the team of draft horses carrying crops and hay from the fields to the barn. She also helped with and often took charge of cooking three meals a day for thirteen family members and farm hands. As a young teen she won a cooking contest at the county fair for her dinner rolls. She used a wood-fired stove. Over the objections of her parents, she bottle-fed and raised an orphaned baby raccoon that became a favorite family pet having the run of the house. By high school, Harriet had developed a quiet strength and ability to manage things behind the scenes in her own way.

During Latin class at Willard High School Harriet met her future husband, Marvin E. Lash. They graduated in 1951 and were married in 1954. At the time, Marvin was in the Air Force and they began their married lives together at Vance AFB near Enid Oklahoma. Following Marvin's discharge from the Air Force they returned to Ohio, settling in Shelby. Their son Thomas was born in 1956 and son Michael in 1958. During this time Harriet helped Marvin with his college math classes, typed papers, and worked at the local bank as a teller. Following Marvin's college graduation in 1961, the family moved to Illinois where he began his career in the oil industry. Harriet often took charge of the family as Marvin was traveling frequently. A third son, Allen arrived in 1967. Raising three boys can be a challenge and Harriet had a somewhat unique way of dealing with them. Things like "you better not bleed on the carpet," and "quit doing that, I don't have time to take you to the doctor today" may have been heard more than once.

After several work assignments in Illinois and Georgia, Marvin and Harriet received what they thought would be just another three or four year assignment to Houston in 1977. They bought a house, joined Lakewood United Methodist Church while the congregation was still meeting at Hancock Elementary School, and stayed even after Marvin retired in 1992. During this time Harriet continued her interest in finance, supporting the church finance office on Mondays and working as a tax preparer and light bookkeeper for a small company. Marvin's many company transfers weren't all that much fun, but Harriet and her family enjoyed traveling for vacations and visiting relatives. Later, Harriet and Marvin enjoyed cruising the Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Alaska.

In addition to traveling Harriet enjoyed a number of other favorite activities. She loved fishing and boating; not to participate, but to get a day off when Marvin took the boys for the day. Harriet truly enjoyed eating out and trying new restaurants-- her extensive cooking experience on the farm having made a lasting impression. Galveston was a favorite spot to visit and enjoy a meal. Another favorite place for her to visit was the zoo. She liked all the animals, but most of all the red panda, which has more than a slight resemblance to a raccoon. Baseball was her favorite sport. From the Cleveland Indians, to St Louis Cardinals, to the Chicago Cubs and the Houston Astros, Harriet was a fan of the local baseball team. Part of Harriet & Marvin's 50th anniversary celebration was held at a suite during an Astro's game at Minute Maid Park with her extended family. As a girl she even wished she could become a major league umpire. Harriet's favorite pastime, however, was playing bridge, a game for which she had a real passion and

talent. She was a member of a number of bridge groups and even won a number of tournaments during her cruises. In her later years Harriet struggled with several health issues and as a "tough ol' farm girl," quietly applied her unmatched strength and resolve. She steadfastly remained positive and continued to worry more about others than herself. From her family's perspective Harriet was seldom the center of attention, but was always the center of our lives.

In addition to her numerous friends and extended family, Harriet is survived by her three sons, Tom, Mike, and Allen; their wives, Terri, Becky, and Susan; and grandchildren, David, Shelby, and John.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Methodist Children's Home: https://www.mch.org/ways-to-give/

The service can be 10:30am Friday 11/6/2020 at Lakewood United Methodist Church.  The service will be livestream with the following link:

https://youtu.be/MnYBNGTGdzE