Verla Butterfield Harris

Verla Butterfield Harris passed away peacefully at her home in Kaysville, Utah, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Verla was born on July 31, 1944 in Murray, Utah, to Alice Roberts Butterfield and Almon Floyd Butterfield. She was the youngest of four children and shared a birthday with her sister, Gayla, who was born two years earlier on the very same day. The two affectionately considered themselves “twins separated by two years” and remained especially close throughout their lives.

Verla enjoyed a wonderful childhood on the farm in Riverton, often spending time with grandparents, cousins and extended family members who called her “Doodlebug.”

On October 26, 1962, Verla married her high school sweetheart, Richard Ray Harris, in Riverton, Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on March 21, 1975. Together they built a loving home and were blessed with five children: Clark, Brenda, Steven, Diane, and Anna.

Verla and Dick began their married life in Midvale, Utah, and also spent cherished years in Kent, Washington, and Littleton, Colorado, before settling in Kaysville, Utah, where they made their home for nearly 40 years. In their later years, Verla and Dick loved spending time in Lake Powell, Island Park, and St. George, where they created cherished memories and lifelong friendships.

Verla was a woman of deep faith and a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Verla’s unwavering testimony influenced and inspired each of her children and grandchildren in developing their own faith in and relationship with Jesus Christ. Verla was an example of love, charity, and service to her husband and family.

Verla loved serving in the Church and faithfully fulfilled many callings over the years. She enjoyed serving with primary children and young women, but she especially loved Relief Society. She served as Relief Society President on three separate occasions. She found great joy in ministering to and caring for others.

Verla loved people, and everyone who met her quickly recognized her remarkable gift for conversation and her genuine ability to connect with others. In her early years, she played the saxophone, enjoyed dancing, taught ballet and tap in her basement and loved the organ. She was very talented at sewing, quilting and scrapbooking. Some of her favorite hobbies included reading, watching movies, camping, gardening, walking and swimming. She spent many years supporting Dick at his horse cutting shows.

Above all else, Verla’s greatest joy was her family. She especially treasured her grandchildren and delighted in attending their many games and performances. Grandma was their loudest cheerleader—or whistler rather (if you knew Verla, you knew her whistle). Nothing brought her greater joy than watching and encouraging those she loved.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who created a home filled with warmth, faith, and love. She stood beside and supported her husband, Dick, throughout his demanding career. After Dick’s retirement, Verla and Dick were inseparable and many would comment that you rarely saw one without the other. Verla’s highest priority was her dear husband, Dick.

Verla leaves behind a legacy of faith in Jesus Christ, devotion to family, and Christlike love for others. Her influence will continue to be felt in the lives of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know her. Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the promise that families are eternal.

Verla is survived by her beloved husband, Dick; her five children: Clark R. Harris (Michele), Brenda H. Bennett (Steven), Steven F. Harris (Mindy), Diane H. Talbot (Tyler), and Anna Marie Atwater (Justin); her sister, Gayla Brinkerhoff (Randy); 19 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held from 6:00pm – 8:00pm on Wednesday, June 3rd at Russon Mortuary (1941 N. Main Street, Farmington, Utah) and from 9:30am – 10:30am on Thursday, June 4th at the Kaysville Crestwood Stake Center (855 E. Mutton Hollow, Kaysville, Utah).

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 4th at 11:00am at the Kaysville Crestwood Stake Center.

Interment will follow at the Kaysville City Cemetery.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation to Visiting Angels and Utah Home Health & Hospice for their loving care and kindness to Verla.