Linda Gail Rice Harris

Linda Gail Rice Harris, 68, passed away on December 4, 2021, after extended health ailments. Linda was born July 31, 1953, to Mary Helen Henson and Joseph Wells Rice in Wiltshire, England while Joseph was stationed there in the US Air Force. They were later divorced and Helen married Edward James Fitzpatrick, and he quickly became a very influential part of Linda’s life, becoming “dad” in every sense of the word. Linda graduated from Ogden High School in 1971.

Linda married Ronald Leon Harris on December 22, 1973, in Ogden, Utah and had her one and only child, the light of her life, her daughter Jamie Marie Harris Phippen. Linda and Ron were later divorced and he preceded her in death in 2016.

Linda worked in the mortgage business for over 40 years for many different companies and acquired many friends and colleagues in the industry. Linda was known as a dedicated employee, friend, and co-worker. She always had positive energy and an infectious personality. She would do anything and everything she could for the people she loved. Her loyalty to family and friends was unmatched. Linda loved Barry Manilow and even had her BMW license plate custom made to say “Fanilow”. She also enjoyed taking trips to Wendover with dear friends.

Linda loved her little girl, Jamie, beyond words. She worked endless hours to make sure she always had everything she could ever want or need, and she was present for all of Jamie’s performances, games, and life events. She coached her softball teams, was the PTA president, hosted many sleepover parties, taught her and the girls to drive a stick shift, and was the best mom to Jamie and second mom to her friends. Linda loved her entire family; her parents were her role models and best friends. Her sister, Nancy, was her confidant and one of her best friends. Her nephews spent a lot of time with her in their early years, making many cherished memories.
When grandkids finally came into her life, she was elated, and for as long as her health allowed, attended games and loved to spoil them.

Linda is survived by her daughter Jamie Phippen (Tamera Meacham), her grandchildren Brandon Phippen, Joshua (Morgan) Phippen, Mary Elizabeth “Lizzy” Phippen, her great grandchildren Boston, Asher, Charlie, Emily, Jaxson, and Journey. She is also survived by her sister Nancy Millward and nephews Shawn (Amy) Iverson, Troy (Kristy) Iverson, and Andrew Millward.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Wells Rice, Mary Helen Fitzpatrick, and Edward James Fitzpatrick and her brother-in-law John Paul Millward.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at the LDS Ward House located at 4380 Orchard Avenue in Ogden, Utah on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, from 5-7pm.