Gwendolyn "Wendy" Kay Harris

Gwendolyn (Wendy) Kay Harris (Church), age 57, passed away on April 20, 2023, with her loving husband, Darrell, by her side. Wendy was born on April 1, 1966 to Junior & Cathy Church. Wendy graduated from Toledo High School. Wendy married Darrell on March 6th, 1999 with their love being described as admirable, strong, and powerful. She spent most of her life in the area and settled down with her husband of 24 years on a quiet homestead in Toledo, WA.  They enjoyed traveling, gardening, home projects, and quality time together. They built their lives around, and for each other. Their love was absolute, constant, and the truest of its’ form.  Wendy poured herself into everything she did, including her marriage. 

 After spending time in a managerial position in the food industry, she spent her purpose caring for children. She owned her own daycare, in which she started so she could be a prominent figure in her niece and nephews’ life, Kelli Bates (Pudelko) and Dawson Pudelko. Wendy and Darrell continued, becoming foster parents, where their love for kids led them to adopt three beautiful children, that were the light of her life.  Wendy had unwavering affection and support for her children and was devoted to making sure they were loved, protected, and had amazing life experiences.

Wendy touched so many lives with her sparkling humor, infectious laughter, and her empathetic heart for others. She was a fighter and a master at putting a smile on when life threw her curve balls. She loved being outside floating in the pool or hoping for enough snow to where no one could travel, and the world paused for a day or two. She enjoyed spending her time surrounded by family and friends, accepting new animals into her life, crafting, and keeping up with the kids’ schedules. She was always full of new ideas, whether it be fun and wacky gifts, construction on the house, new adventures, or surprising ways to make others smile. Wendy was the first to volunteer to help on any occasion, which usually involved baking some delicious treat. People that know her will describe her as generous, strong-willed, and vivacious.

Wendy leaves a legacy of passion and enthusiasm for her family and friends. She was a woman of strong values, deep integrity, and commitment to being a wife and mother. She would want everyone to smile and remember the laughter, rather than weep for the loss. 

She is preceded in death by her mother Cathy Church, her brother Wade Church, and her half-sister Sandy Rogers. Wendy will be deeply missed by her husband Darrell Harris, her children Cody, Tyler, and Karley, her stepchildren Blair, Lindsay, and Marshall, her father Junior (Margaret), her siblings Marci (Rusty) and Robert, her numerous nieces, nephews, grandkids, aunts, uncles, cousins, and loving friends.

Graveside Service will be held at Whittle Hubbard Cemetery in Castle Rock on May 19th @ Noon. Immediately following the service Wendy’s family would like you to join them at Cowlitz Prairie Grange in Toledo to celebrate her life with a potluck.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Shirley Watson Scholarship Foundation c/o Sheila Richardson, PO Box 524 Toledo, WA 98591

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