Patricia Ruth Harms

Pat Harms was welcomed into Heaven on October 27, 2016 lovingly surrounded by family. She was born on June 1, 1924, in Bayard, Nebraska to John and Dorothy King. She was the eighth of nine children and grew up on a 10,000 acre ranch where her family raised cattle. In 1936 most of the family moved to Idaho where they had a small farm.

On June 5, 1941 she moved to Port Orchard to join other family members that had moved there. That same day, a young man named Vince Harms left his home in Wisconsin to enlist in the Army. Pat graduated from South Kitsap Union High School (later South Kitsap High School) in June of 1942. In July of 1942 she met a young soldier by the name of Vince Harms. They were engaged shortly thereafter.

Vince was sent to the South Pacific in September of 1942 and Pat began working at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard that same year where she worked in the foundry until May of 1945. At the time she was a journeyman molder making at that time were good wages - $10.46 a day. She was an original “Rosie the Riveter” and very proud of that honor.

Pat and Vince married in November of 1945 in Weiser, Idaho after he returned from the war. They moved to Wisconsin where Pat started her volunteer work – helping with the blood bank, going door to door for the American Cancer Society, and calling to inform people when the mobile chest x-ray unit would be in town to check people for tuberculosis.

Kathleen was born in November of 1946, and Judi in March of 1950.

In January of 1956 they moved to Oregon and in December welcomed son Michael. He was born with amyotonia and unfortunately passed away in February of 1958.

In July of 1961, daughter Lori was born, and in 1962 the family moved to Port Orchard and Vince began his career at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Vince retired from PSNS in 1979 and passed away in September of 2000.

She loved doing crafts. Among many of her talents were writing, sewing, embroidery, baking cakes for special occasions, crocheting, and helping Vince with his wood crafts. She enjoyed bowling, line dancing, and volunteered with many groups including the American Cancer Society. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Ladies Guild at Bethany Lutheran Church. Pat and Vince took many road trips over the years in their motor home and two trips to Alaska to visit Vince’s brother. In 2001 Pat, Lori, and grand-daughter Erika spent two weeks in Alaska where they did some salmon fishing on the Mulchatna.

Pat published a children’s book in 1971 called “How Pineapple Came Be”, and her poetry was self-published into dozens of books which she gave to friends and family over the years. She wrote her memoirs in 2005 and is a fascinating account of her incredibly full life.

She had a love of family, a strong faith, and a wonderful sense of humor. One thing she was well known for were her “Grandma Harms” blankets. Over her lifetime she made dozens for nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and many other babies at the church.

Pat battled and won many health issues over her lifetime. At Park Vista where she resided for the past two years, she again took up crocheting and made many hats for family, and even some residents. She participated in many of the events at Park Vista and was lovingly supported by daughters, and often visited by family and special friends.
She was preceded in death by husband Vince, son Michael, grandson David, and eight siblings. She is survived by daughters Kathleen (Carl) Brashar, Judi (Ken), Edwards both of Port Orchard, and Lori (Ray) Weber of Suquamish. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and another great-grandchild due in March, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pat’s life was lived to the fullest with a strong marriage, loving family, and the faith that she would eventually see her loved ones in Heaven.

Rest in Peace Mom. We love you

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church, 151 Tremont Street, Port Orchard, WA 98366.