of Little Rock, AR
April 21, 1932 - December 4, 2023
Freda Deuerling Harness passed away on Monday, December 4, 2023 at the age of 91. She was born on April 21, 1932 in Engelberg, Arkansas to Frank Joseph Deuerling and Mary Ida Wiesle Deuerling. Freda married Vernon A. Harness on May21, 1952. He passed away on February 14, 2013.
Freda was a longtime member of St. Edward Catholic Church where she and Vernon proudly served coffee and donuts for over 13 years. She attended grade school at St. Edward School and graduated from Mt. St. Mary Academy in 1950. She made a name for herself as one of the "cafeteria ladies" serving hot lunches with homemade breads, desserts and cinnamon rolls daily. She was an active member of St. Edward Christian Mothers Sodality for over 50 years. She worked at Democrat Printing and Lithograph for many years and made lifelong friends there.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Vernon A. Harness and 2 sons, David Vernon Harness and Timothy Lee Harness as well as 3 grandchildren. She is survived by 2 daughters, Mary Thomas (John), Rose Anne Smith (Donnie) and 3 sons, Larry Joseph, Jerry Allen (Lisa) and Thomas Lynn (Martha) Harness; 18 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
A rosary will begin at 10:00am followed by a visitation at 10:30am on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at St. Edward Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00am with burial at 1:00 at Calvary Cemetery in Little Rock.
Memorials may be made to St. Edward Catholic Church, 805 Sherman Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202.
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11 Condolence(s)
Rita Nichols
Saturday, January 6, 2024
Dear Rose Ann & family,
I am so sorry to learn of your dear mothers' death. I am the daughter of Joan Brown, whom worked with you Rose Anne at the Health Dept. I really enjoyed what few times I have been able to attend the Deuerling reunions with my mom.
My condolences to you all and I am sorry I did not know sooner.
Love to all, Rita
Laurie Koehler
Monday, December 11, 2023
Roseanne, I’m sending prayers for peace and comfort to you and your family. Especially at the holiday season, I know this is a struggle. I didn’t know your mom well, but I have fond memories of sitting behind your family at mass at St Edwards. I’m guessing Mary Ellen and Bob are once again enjoying coffee and donuts with your mom.
Faye Barry
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Mary, so SAD to hear of your mother’s passing last week.
Sure you & your family have many memories to keep in your heart.
Joan Doolittle Cchambers
Friday, December 8, 2023
Rose Ann: I am sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers.
Reginald Rogers
Friday, December 8, 2023
Mary, Rose Anne, Larry, Jerry, Tom and the Harness and Deuerling Families: May God grant you strength at this time of loss. I have have known Mr. and Mrs. Harness and their children for many decades. They are wonderful people who exemplify the ideal of servant leaders. Mrs. Harness was a pillar of St. Edward's Catholic Church in Little Rock. She was an "old school" devout Catholic Woman. She and Mr Harness could always be counted on to support Church events and activities. They served coffee and donuts in the Church cafeteria for years. She served with the St. Edward's Mothers' Sodality for over fifty years. She was a constant and reassuring presence at Church fundraisers such as dinners and Bingo. She also inspired her children and grandchildren to attend Church functions. She was a fun person to be around. She always welcomed me with that sweet smile of hers! She will be greatly missed! May she Rest in the Peace of Christ in Heaven with her husband and all of our Loved Ones. Reg Rogers St. Edward's School Class of 1973, Catholic High Class of 1977
Linda Davis -Mccuin
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a very sweet lady. Praying for your strength.
Bill and Linda Teer
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Linda and I were so sorry to hear about the death of your Mom. She was such a sweet heart. I enjoyed visiting with her whenever we saw her at a church event. She was a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of loss.
Nicholas Wideman
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Aunt Freda will be sorely missed. I am so happy for the time I got to spend with her.
Toni and Vince Chiaro
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Rose Anne, and family, so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. We did not know her but we knew your family and our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
May God hold you in his hands at this difficult time.
God Bless
Toni and Vince Chiaro
Sue Fess
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Mary, I know your Mother was a very special woman. She stills shines through in your wonderful presence.
I lift a prayer for you and your family. Love to you, Sue
Patty Larrison Wingfield
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
My deepest sympathy on the passing of your sweet mother. May she rest in peace.