Venna Harrison’s Birthday Celebration

Relief Society celebrated Venna Harrison’s 98th Birthday this past Sunday!

Venna Dunkley Harrison

Venna has had a life long passion for reading. She has read hundreds of books. Her favorites are gospel centered books and historical books. Venna is also a gifted artist. She has always loved to draw, but started taking painting lessons at 65. She has since painted hundreds of pictures, including beautiful flowers, landscapes, pictures of her grandchildren, and others. She also has a passion for gardening and working in her yard.

Venna grew up in Whitney, Idaho and has lived in Sammamish for around 40 years.

She has also lived in Salt Lake City, UT; the Washington, DC, area; New Jersey; Melbourne, Australia; Tonga; Atlanta, GA

Venna has 7 children, 5 sons and 2 daughters. She has 28 grandchildren, and 37 great-grandchildren.

Reading is Venna's favorite thing to do, but she also enjoys getting out and enjoying nature and visiting with people.

Venna has read many, many books that she enjoys, but her favorites are any books that bring her closer to the Savior.

Venna has had a remarkable life! Pam (her daughter-in-law)  could go on for pages about her but listed a few for us.

·       She served in the Northern States Mission during World War II. The mission covered 3 or 4 states.

·       Got her bachelor's degree in English from the University of Utah.

·       Created the first sorority for returned sister missionaries at the University of Utah.

·       Worked at the Church headquarters before she married and met many apostles and prophets there.

·       Is the great-granddaughter of Parley P. Pratt.

·       Was married by Ezra Taft Benson, who is Venna's cousin.

·       Had her wedding reception in the upstairs of the Beehive House in SLC.

·       Served a mission with her husband, Dale, to Australia where they interacted with many visiting general authorities.

·       Served a mission with her husband to Tonga where they had many VERY unusual experiences!

·       Served a mission with her husband in the Atlanta temple.

·       Has travelled to Central America, Peru (and went to Machu Pichu), Israel, China, France, Denmark, England, and others. Many of these trips were taken after her husband had passed and while Venna was in her 80's.

·       Has been a ward and stake RS president, seminary teacher, and pretty much every other calling.

·       Has been a wonderful and fun mom and grandma to all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A few memories and birthday wishes.

Shelly Astle:

“One of my favorite memories of Venna was when she and Irene Scott dressed up in full witch costumes for the ward Halloween party. They served punch with dry ice with smoke rising from a cauldron. They looked amazing!”

Jen Boyer:

“I had the privilege of being Venna's visiting teacher and I always loved seeing what art projects Venna was working each month and hearing stories of the past, including her time at the church offices. Venna is always smiling, happy, thoughtful and kind. I want to be like her when I grow up!”

Sharon Rhinevault:

“Venna is loving, generous, intellegent, and serene, among many other qualities. She eats healthy, and has always been active. I remember when her daughter Annette was in high school, Venna participated regularly with her in aerobics. Venna still works in her yard, vacuums upstairs and down, and remains actively independent. She loves to read and has a library from which she lovingly shares. Venna enjoys visiting and having visitors. She is a faithful friend and ministering sister. I love Venna and can only strive to be like her.”

Doneen DeMeester:

“Venna is the great optimist. She has such great trust and faith in the Lord that she doesn’t worry about challenges or complain about her limitations. She has always cheerfully done what she could do, served others and God willingly, and lived a full and rich life. Such a great example to me.”

Pam Harrison:

“I have a zillion thoughts and memories of Venna, all good.  Not everyone can live 4 houses away from their mother-in-law for 29 years and love every minute of it!  Venna is all about being cheerful, helpful, loving, and positive.  She's a wonderful example of how to live the gospel.  Our whole family loves her dearly.”

Jenny Fisher:

“Venna always has a smile on her face! The first time I met Venna is through her son, Todd. Her sweet warm personality fills the room. Happy 98th Birthday Venna!!!! What a milestone!”

Brooke Lytle:

“Happy birthday Venna!! 🎉 You’re so sweet, kind and gentle! 🥰 You always have a great big smile to share with everyone. 😁 You are a great example of faith and love. I hope you had a fabulous day! Sending hugs to you….”