Evelyn Lucille Tebedo Harris
(January 8, 1927 – April 24, 2022)
Evelyn Lucille Tebedo Harris, 95, passed away on April 24, 2022, surrounded by family at her home in Littleton, Colorado. She was the oldest of three children born to Iona Manchester Tebedo and George Oliver Tebedo on January 8, 1927, in Grand Junction, Colorado. Her brothers preceded her in death; Donald Edward Tebedo (wife MaryAnne Tebedo, still living) and Oliver W. ‘Bud’ Tebedo (wife Mary Kathryn Tebedo, still living).
She was an accomplished musician who began playing the violin at age five. By high school, she was performing in various groups, including the All-Girl Orchestra which played for numerous dances around western Colorado. Evelyn went on to graduate with a degree in music from Saint Mary College in Leavenworth, Kansas. She continued to sing and play music throughout her life, and was able to play a variety of instruments including violin, piano, guitar, and accordion. She was an active participant in church music, including in the choir at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church, where she played the violin and sang until health issues in 2017 made continuing difficult.
After college, Evelyn taught school for several years, including schools in Strasburg and Montrose, Colorado, and in Raton, New Mexico. She continued to be a passionate supporter of education and life-long learning. Evelyn was an avid reader, traveled extensively, and studied in-depth a variety of subjects including psychology and spirituality. Throughout her life, she valued the deep connections she had made in these pursuits and nurtured many enduring friendships.
Evelyn married Bill Eugene Harris on September 2, 1950. The couple met at a football game while both were attending Grand Junction High School in 1942. The couple went on to live in various places in Colorado, including Denver, Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, and Montrose, before moving to Raton, New Mexico in 1964. Both Evelyn and Bill were active members of the community in both business and the arts. Evelyn was a long-time board member of the Raton Arts and Humanities Council and participated in various musical groups. The couple lived in Raton for 46 years before moving to Littleton, Colorado in 2010.
Evelyn and Bill were especially proud of the family they created and through them, she leaves a wonderful legacy of joy and love. Evelyn is survived by her husband Bill and their four children: Robert David ‘Bob’ Harris (wife Kathy Porter Harris) of Raton, New Mexico; Denise Marie (Bacca) Ries (husband Mark Ries) of Littleton, Colorado; Mary Jean Harris (partner Thomas A. Romero) of Littleton, Colorado; and Nancy Ann Holub (husband James ‘Pete’ Holub) of Louviers, Colorado. Their grandchildren include Jennifer Marie Bacca Mills; Darlene Renee Bacca Nichols; Christina Diane Bacca Caldwell; Cameron Joseph Holub (who proceeded her in death), Spencer Arvid Holub, and James Laurence Holub. There are also 6 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many very dear friends.
Evelyn was a devoted and contemplative Catholic throughout her life and was particularly drawn to the work of Father Richard Rohr, founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation. She continued to be an enthusiastic supporter of the University of Saint Mary (formerly Saint Mary College) and its enduring traditions, mission, and values.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, May 6, 2022, at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 6673 W Chatfield Ave., Littleton, CO 80128. Reception to follow at the church. Interment Littleton Cemetery.
Condolences can be made online at Evelyn’s Tribute Wall by visiting www.EllisFamilyServices.com.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation in Evelyn’s memory to one of the following:
- The Center for Action and Contemplation, PO Box 12464, Albuquerque, NM 87195, or online at https://cac.org/
- The University of Saint Mary online at https://www.stmary.edu/alumni-supportUSM
- A charity of your choice
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Ellis Family Services, Funeral, and Memorial Care, 13436 W. Arbor Place, Littleton, Colorado.
