Dernise Harris

Denise Lynn Johnston Harris, 70, of Lewiston, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, at home surrounded by family.

This is a story of a wonderful life, lived to the fullest, by one so very loved.

Denise was born March 14, 1956, to Joyce (Deyo) and Jack Johnston. She joined brother Doug at their family home in Peck and the adventures began from there. Denise spent a magical childhood in Peck surrounded by cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and family friends who all became a big part of her life. Denise attended elementary school in Peck and later grades seven and eight in Orofino.

Joyce married Bob Stach from Nezperce and in 1970, Joyce, Doug and Denise joined Bob at the family ranch house where Joyce took on the farming lifestyle and Doug and Denise enrolled in the Nezperce High School. In 1971, a sister Carrie joined the family. Because of Denise’s natural ability to make friends and spread joy, she made many lifelong friends during her years in Nezperce. She met Kenny Harris in high school and after her graduation in 1974, they lived in Moscow where they both attended school. On Dec. 30, 1977, Denise and Kenny married in Nezperce. What a wedding.

Denise was now an integral part of the Deyo, Stach and Harris families.

Denise and Kenny soon moved to McCall where he was employed as an accountant and Denise owned and operated her hair salon, The Headquarters. They welcomed son Jeremy Robert Harris in 1979. The young family moved to Tri-Cities where their son Joshua Russell joined the family in 1983. Ultimately the family landed in Lewiston in 1987, where they have lived for the last 39 years. Denise continued her work as a devoted and involved mom and later worked at Lewis-Clark State College in career development. Lewiston was a perfect location to raise and nurture their two boys, stay close to the families, and spend weekends and time off with friends. Denise and Kenny enjoyed the outdoors and eventually acquired a cabin on the Lochsa River which became a well-loved retreat. They enjoyed hosting friends and family there at every opportunity.

Anyone who ever met Denise can attest to the fact that Denise was notorious for having the best wit and sense of humor ever possessed by any human. She was quick to laugh and had a knack for making others literally collapse with a single expression or word. She had many other skills too numerous to mention – she was an exceptional mom and grandma, a loyal friend, a superb cook who made legendary potato and macaroni salads without a recipe.

She was brave from her first day to her last.

Denise is survived by husband Kenny, of their home in Lewiston. Also surviving are their cherished sons Jeremy (Jenifer) Harris, of Grangeville, Joshua (Sarah) Harris, of San Francisco; brother Douglas Johnston, of Spokane; sister Carrie (Steve) Soldatek, of Post Falls; grandchildren Sitka, McKinley, Tanner and much anticipated granddaughter due to join the family in October; as well as many beloved brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, cousins and more friends that could ever be counted.

Denise was predeceased by her mother Joyce, father Jack, stepfather Robert, mother-in-law Melcena, father-in-law Bill, brothers-in-law, Don, Darold, Bobby and sister-in-law Maxine.

A private graveside service will be held at the Nezperce city cemetery. A celebration of Denise’s extraordinary life will take place from 2-6 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 9, at Ernie’s Steakhouse in Lewiston, for all those that knew and loved her.

The family would like to thank St. Joseph Regional Cancer Center, Elite Home Health and Hospice and Open Arms Home Care.

Denise’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, remembrances may be expressed through contributions to the Lewis-Clark State College Foundation.