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OCTOBER 13, 2013 12:00 AM
TAMARA JANE (FELDNER) HARRIS
On Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013, after 16 months of battling cancer, Tammy went home to be with the Lord. She spent her last day on Earth, as she did her entire life, surrounded by her beloved family. She was 65.
Tamara Jane Feldner was born on Oct. 3, 1948, in Plentywood, Mont., to Allen and Leslee Feldner. She arrived 10 minutes before her twin brother, Tim. The Feldner family lived in Hardin, Laurel, and eventually Billings following Allen’s coaching career. Tammy was a very active member of the Senior High class of 1966. She went on to Eastern Montana College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1970. She devoted 33 years of her life to educating children both for Billings Public Schools and her private preschool. She touched the lives of many and was passionate about sharing her gifts through education.
Tammy met the love of her life, Gary Harris, in high school, and after years of friendship they were married on March 8, 1974. They would have celebrated 40 years of marriage this spring. Tammy and Gary devoted their lives to their children, Tyler, Hillary, and Tegan. As her girls became involved in athletics Tammy quickly became known as the loudest and craziest cheerleader in the stands. Again, she touched the lives of so many young people with her enthusiastic spirit and support. Family was EVERYTHING to Tammy and her proudest moments were when her seven beautiful grandbabies were born. She spent her retired life surrounding herself with her grandchildren and making lasting memories with each of them.
Tammy enjoyed spending time in the mountains with her family, laughing with her “Craft Sisters,” and happy hour on her patio in Arizona. She will be missed by many! Tammy is survived by her husband, Gary; her children, Tyler (Marris) Harris, Hillary (Greg) Gnerer, and Tegan (Mac) Leffler; her seven grandchildren, Caitlyn, Kylie, Kaden, Tyger, McClain, Grady, and Tenley; her brothers, Tim (Karen) Feldner, Mike Feldner; her sister Kelly Jorgenson; along with many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Tammy’s life will take place on Friday, Oct. 18, 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to Boys and Girls Club of Yellowstone County and American Cancer Society or a charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cfgbillings.com through “Our Families.”
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Linda Boyd (Ketcham)
Tim, thank you for posting your tribute to your sister. It seems she lived a full and purpose filled life. In reading the obituary I learned the two of you were born in Plentywood. That was also where I was born, in the hospital, located above the Fretheim grocery store, the new hospital was not yet built in 1948. My brother, Steve, who's one year older, and i, were in the same class all through our school years. Not twins but some of our classmates may not have known that. See you in September. LindaPat Cassady (Simmons)
Tim, thanks for the wonderful tribute to your sister. I always liked hanging out with her because she was tall like me. We had lots of fun and adventures with our group of friends. She was taken way too early, but she certainly had an impact on those who were left behind. We all are in a better place for having known her.
Mary Daniels (Johnson)
Tim, nice job, Tammy is smiling! Good friend she was,miss her !
Mark Noennig
Tim: Very beautiful and heartfelt. Thanks. She was a great lady who touched the lives of and will be sorely missed by so many.
Jim Baker
Tim-Excellent and oh how very very nice of you. Obviously, she did not have ALL the artsy talent. She gave you part of it and you did a great job. Thanks for sharing this wonderful poem with us.
Gary Scheidecker
Thanks Tim. An absolutely amazing tribute to your sister an such an inspiring individual. Tammy was always
one of my favorites growing up. Loved the entire Feldner family and your dad was a great help to me while
attending EMC. He was one of my best advisors. I always loved it when I would get the opportunity to run into
Tammy and Gary when I was in Billings or at other events around the state. She truly was a special person.
I really am sorry that I was not able to attend her memorial service. Looking forward to seeing you at the
reunion and have no doubts whatsoever that she will be with us there in spirit.
Jan Cooper (MCandless)
Tim that was a very nice tribute to your twin I miss her also and it won't be the same without her at the reunion. I hope I get to see you and visit a little bit you guys have my love.
Ed West
Thanks, Tim, for the moving tribute to Tammy. And thanks to all of those who have posted on other classmates who have passed on. There are number I didn't realize were not with us. Certainly all of them are missed.
Linda Brink (Lokken)
Wonderful tribute to a wonderful lady. It never mattered how many years went by between running into each other, Tammy always made it seem like it had only been the day before.Laurie Cooper (Smith)
Tim , what a sweet, beautiful poem about Tammy. I have a feeling that she saw it and enjoyed it! Well done. Hope to see you in September.