Shirley Irene Harris, “Blondie,” wasn’t sure about doing an interview. When I said I would come to her house, she didn’t hesitate to say, “Well, I’ll have to lock Bill in the closet.” There was no doubt that this interview with Blondie included Bill.
Irene, her preferred name, was given the nickname Blondie by Bill’s father, and it stuck. Blondie thought about becoming a beautician, but her chance meeting with Bill changed her mind. It is almost impossible to relate a story about Blondie without including Bill. They are a team.
Blondie was standing in a line when she received a soft kiss on the back of her neck. When she turned around, she met Bill. It was love at first sight; they were married three weeks later. With $100 in their pockets, and Bill making $1.65 hour, they made a trip to Eli and got married, in 1960.
Bill had just returned home from serving in the U.S. Air Force, he got a job drilling, saved everything he could and bought his first truck. In 1980 he drove to Florida for Kaibab Industries, hauling lumber, making 52 trips in one year.
Bill also worked the rodeo circuit and excelled at roping. Blondie and daughter, Anette loved to watch him rope and could always be seen in the stands supporting their rider. Anette and Bill later team-roped, with Blondie watching and cheering them on.
After 18 years of marriage, they thought it was time Blondie learned to drive a truck. Her first experience of hauling was with cattle and the deposits they left behind. She commented, “The other drivers would tease me about how often they caught me washing off.” She added, “I just couldn’t get rid of the smell.”
After years of driving a truck, the couple decided to take a year off and took on jobs with Western River. Bill drove the truck and was their mechanic and welder. Blondie did the laundry and oversaw the company’s food.
They also worked for JR and Lynette Jones at Plateau Ranch, Bill working cattle and Blondie feeding the crew. The four remain good friends and help with the ranch whenever needed. I was able to appreciate those stories which included the Jones’s boys. We shared related memories with giggles and laughter. Blondie grinned, cocked her head a bit and stated, “We had a lot of adventures. Nobody expected it from this quiet little Mormon Girl.” Bill added with a chuckle “Finally after 64 years, she has learned how to cook my eggs.”
Blondie began working as a checker at Honey’s in 2008 and loves her job. “I get to visit and meet new people,” she shared. That is where Blondie and I met, and I love visiting with her when I’m in her line, her positive attitude is contagious.
