Phyllis LaRea Harp 1926 - 2009 With dignity and grace Phyllis LaRea Harp passed peacefully from this life to the everlasting arms of our Lord Jesus Christ on May 24, 2009. Family was at her side as she lost a courageous battle with complications of Parkinson's Disease. LaRea was born to Stephen and Gertrude Wennihan on May 20, 1926 in Sheridan County, Kansas. She came to California with her family settling in Bakersfield in 1945. She worked with strong dedication for 36 years as a data entry operator at Good Samaritan Hospital, forming many wonderful lifetime friendships. With an almost constant smile and a tender heart overflowing with love and kind generousity for her family and friends, she shared her gifts of laughter, music, compassion, character and an unwavering love for God. She enjoyed a passion for good food, Christmases with grandchildren, trips to Las Vegas, playing Lotto with Alex and spending time with family and friends. But her greatest joy was being a Mom. Along with her parents, LaRea is predeceased by her brothers, Virgil and George Wennihan; sister, Aileen Cook; former husband, Ralph Harp; and her beloved son, Gale Curtis Roe. Family left to cherish her memory are her daughter and son-in-law, Lynne and Alex Munoz; grandchildren, Michael Munoz, Matthew and Erika Munoz, Gianna Munoz and Wanda Roe; her great- granddaughters that were the light of her life, Kailey, Mariah, Aleena, Macie and Briar; neices that were more like her sisters, Nadine and Vergie Wente, June McGatlin and Carol Bell; sister-in-law, Marcella Wennihan; many cherished nephews, neices and cousins and so many friends that enriched her life. Visitation will be Friday, May 29, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Mortuary. Chapel services will be conducted by Minister Candace Biagi on Saturday, May 30, at 11a.m. A special heartfelt thank you for the constant kind and compassionate care our Mom received from the staff at Rosewood Health Center. Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.

Published in Bakersfield Californian on 5/28/2009