Rebecca L. “Becki” Harris

Last Updated on July 10, 2024 by Kroeger-Crain Funeral Home

Visitation: 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 19th, at Kroeger-Crain Funeral Home.

Celebration of Life: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 19th, at the Historic State Theatre, downtown Logansport.

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Not long before Hawaii become an official state of the United States, it was the birthplace of Logansport’s most dedicated cheerleader, volunteer and advocate, Rebecca ‘Becki’ L. Harris.

Born on the tropical island of Oahu on February 11, 1958, she was the first of two children to John and Donna Redmond.  Her stay on that tropical island paradise was short-lived, as John was serving in the United States Army and was transferred often. The trio moved to Columbus, Ohio and not long after became a quartet with the birth of her brother, Randy.  The family was transferred to Falls Church, VA, and finally, to Hyattsville, MD in 1965.  It was here that Becki spent the majority of her childhood.

As time went by, she began to feel the urge to get back to her tropical roots, so she picked up her belongings and moved to Florida. Then life happened. Marriage, motherhood, divorce.  She and her son, Josh, started making a life of their own.  Not long after, she found herself responsible for bringing stars to the silver screen by working at Palm Beach Lakes Cinema. One day, the nephew of the projectionist stopped in to visit, and took notice of the new girl working. Little did she know, it was that moment when she met her own leading man, William Harris. Bill and Becki quickly fell in love and were married in a simple ceremony surrounded by family and friends in North Palm Beach, FL on March 26, 1983. 

In 1992, the three set their sights for Logansport to be closer to Bill’s family.  Florida’s loss was Indiana’s gain.  It was Logansport where Becki laid her roots, and her legacy began.  She began volunteering, advocating, and supporting the community she would call home for the next 32 years. 

In 1996, she had her premiere performance with the Civic Players of Logansport in their musical ‘Hair’.  This was the start of nearly three decades with the community theater organization and becoming an avid supporter of the theatrical arts in Logansport. Her most famous roles were Dolly Levi in ‘Hello Dolly’ and as Bernice in the Lottie and Bernice series of shows. Any role she had, regardless of size, was always played with gusto.  She was never a small actor. She also served on the Board of Directors of the organization as the Vice President of Public Relations for six terms, as well as a Member-At-Large. She always found her spotlight and never missed a mark.

In 2008, Becki began her position as the Executive Director of Logan’s Landing.  During her tenure there, downtown Logansport began it’s revitalization.  She was an advocate for the businesses of downtown Logansport through the organization and helped them find federal and state grants to ensure their longevity.  She helped spearhead Logansport’s enrollment in the Main Street Organization Program through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, which allowed our downtown area to thrive even more.  She worked closely with the Chamber of Commerce to help celebrate downtown businesses on their achievements.  Even more so, she supported these businesses by going to their events, dining at their restaurants, shopping in their stores, and sharing their posts on social media.

Becki also served on the Board of Directors for the Cass County Visitors Bureau for two terms and worked at the Cass County Community Foundation for several years.  Her influence in and support of other non-profits such as the Cass County Humane Society/PetsRUs, Logansport Re-Imagined, Cass County Arts Alliance, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Cass County Entrepreneurs (and countless others) is unmatched and has inspired and influenced many.

During countless hours of meetings, rehearsals, planning community events, working full-time, and volunteering, she managed to find the time to earn her associate degree in office administration in 2016.  She was in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and involved in the Student Leadership Academy in 2013.  She graduated with a 4.0 and did it one class at a time over several years:  Just one more example of her steadfastness, determination, and perseverance.

After 14 years with Logan’s Landing, she decided her help was needed elsewhere.  In 2022, she became the Executive Director for the Cass County Council on Aging.  During her time there, she put her talents toward helping to save an organization who values and provides services to Logansport’s senior community. 

Becki was also an avid reader and wanted to instill that love of reading to others, especially children.  You could often find her at the Logansport Public Library on Fridays reading books to children through the Cass County Reading Railroad and United Way.  It wasn’t just story time for the children, it was a performance! She would make sure that each character in the book would have a voice and she brought much joy to many young readers by the way she would tell the tale. 

Becki was also an advocate for any species with four or six legs (eight legs, not so much).  She loved traveling, all genres of music, pinching pennies, clipping coupons, a good pun, motorcycle rides, bursting into song, telling jokes (even REALLY long ones . . . you know, the ones that make you sigh and roll your eyes at the punch line), wacky socks, kitty cuddles, turtles, a good book, lunches with Bill, and so much more.

On the evening of July 4, 2024, Becki left us to carry on her community-minded ways.  May we all strive to ‘Be Like Becki’ in all we do.  May we volunteer, advocate, support, and cheerlead in her honor.

Along with a stellar legacy of community involvement, she also leaves behind her husband of 41 years, William Harris; son, Josh Harris; adopted son, Ben Gerdes; mother, Donna Cross; brother, Randy (Beth) Redmond; step-siblings: Amy, Ann, Greg, Eric, and Scott; nieces and nephews:  Connor (Shelley) Redmond, Mason (Tori) Redmond, Cara Redmond, Mia Redmond; pets, Molly and Willie; friends, acquaintances, and a vast amount of lives that were touched and made better for knowing her.

Her father, stepfather, Gus Cross; and nephew, Greg Polzin are welcoming her to their realm with open arms.

Visitation will be at Kroeger-Crain Funeral Home on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 2-6 p.m.  A celebration of life will follow shortly after at the State Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Becki’s memory to the Cass County Community Foundation. Contributions received will be distributed to several local organizations important to Becki. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and the State Theatre.

Condolences can be shared at kroegerfuneralhome.com.