Dena (Cutright) Harris

Dena Harris of Englewood, CO and formerly of Casey, IL passed away April 4,2022 after a brief illness, with her loving son at her bedside. She was born April 17,1931 to Leo E. and Laura M. (Michaels) Cutright, the fifth of eight children, in Casey, IL. Her childhood was spent in Casey with a brief time in Chicago during the war. She graduated from Casey High School in 1949 and married Eugene B. Harris, son of Dr. C.M. and Remola Harris of Casey on June 12th of that year at the United Brethren Church in Casey. 

She worked at her husband’s family KZ Pharmacy assisting the family in all aspects of the business. In 1950, their son, Stephan, was born. The family moved to Chicago for approximately 1 1/2 years, then moved to the Denver area in 1957. During their Chicago residence, she was employed at the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and after moving to Englewood, CO, she was employed by the Fashion Bar clothing store, eventually becoming a buyer for that chain.  

After the death of her beloved husband, Gene, in 1977, she educated herself to become familiar with financial and accounting practices in order to help oversee the management of the family farmlands and investments. She retired in the early 90’s and busied herself with neighborhood service, friends and family as well as becoming an avid crafter. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and in-laws as well as sisters Madge (Ralph) Allentharp, LaVaughn (Morris) Hammond, and Linda Cutright and brothers James, Leo “Bud” (Sarah) and Terry Cutright. She is survived by her son and daughter in law, Steve and Sharleen Harris of Westminster, CO, her sister, Pat Isle of Winfield, Iowa, her sister-in-law, Cindy Cutright of Labelle, FL and many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, as well as numerous dear friends and neighbors.  

She will be sorely missed by her family and friends, but they are comforted by the knowledge that she will finally be reunited with the love of her life, her devoted husband, Gene. 

Graveside service will be held at 12 p.m. on Sunday, June 12, 2022 at Casey Cumberland Cemetery in Casey, IL with the Rev. Joy Starwalt officiating.  

Memorial donations may be made to American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.   

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements. 

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