Renata “Rae” Harris, 84, of Chesteron, IN, formerly of Frankfort, passed away on June 25, 2026 at home. She was born November 7, 1941 to Fredrick and Lucille (Tragnitz) Rickenberger in Chicago Heights, Illinois. On June 23, 1963 she married Stephen Lynn Harris in Dyer, Indiana.
Rae was a 1958 graduate of Bloom Township Schools and went on to earn her BA in Language from Indiana University in 1962. She then went on to earn her Masters from Purdue University. She was a teacher of English, Spanish, and Latin in schools in Gary and Western High School in Howard County. She also taught for IU Kokomo as well. Rae was a member of St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Frankfort. She was the National President of Psi Iota Xi from 1996-1997, was involved in the Kappa Chapter in Kokomo from 1967-1979, and was a current part of the Beta Tau chapter since 1979. Rae enjoyed sewing, reading, and cooking.
Surviving are her husband: Steve of Chesterson, her sons: Charles F. “Chuck” (Michelle) Harris of Valparaiso, IN and John Paul “JP” Harris of Frankfort, IN, a sister: Ethel Mae DeYoung of Renton, WA, and three granddaughters: Christine and Ella Harris and Lexie Coberg.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother: Earl F. Rickenberger.
Friends may visit Saturday, July 11 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at St. Matthew United Methodist Church, 1951 Wilshire Dr., Frankfort. A memorial service with Psi Iota Xi honors will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the church. Rev. Dr. Darin Hendrey will officiate. Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St. Frankfort is honored to assist the Harris family. Memorials may be made to the Frankfort Psi Iota Xi, care of Treasurer Alison Robinson, 508 Ann St., Frankfort, IN 46041. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com where you may share a condolence with the family.