Carol F. Harness

Carol F. Harness, 82, of Newport, Rhode Island, died on September 10, 2026. She was the loving wife of Roy Curtis Harness for the last 60 years. Born in Louisville, KY on March 25, 1944, She was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Eleanor (Carlson) Alford.

Carol grew up in Indiana and graduated from Indiana University with a teaching degree. She began teaching as a young woman and soon met Curt Harness, a Naval Officer. They soon married and they began life together in the Navy. She was always active with Navy families, serving as the Ombudsman for the fellow families of Curt's submarine, and helping the families communicate with the sub during deployments. She often worked as a substitute teacher in their various station assignments. Their life brought them to Rhode Island and they found a new home in Newport.

Once settled in Rhode Island, Carol began a second career as a CNA in the Heatherwood Nursing Home. She and Curt enjoyed an active retirement, remaining involved in the Military Officers Association of America, and with her daughter's family and the Harbor Church community. It was the grandchildren that captured most of Carol's time and attention. Every activity and event the 7 grandchildren were involved in, Carol and Curt would be there supporting them.

Carol is survived by her husband of 60 years, Curt Harness, and their two daughters, Jennifer Rogers (Douglas) of Richmond, RI, and Tanya Peckham (James) of Sumter, SC, a sister Alma Willis of AZ and a sister in law Rose Alford of NM. She will be missed dearly by her seven grandchildren, Joshua Rogers, Jacob Peckham, Kendall Peckham, Noah Rogers, Abigail Rogers, Spencer Peckham and Samuel Peckham.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Michael Alford.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI, with a prayer service at 6:30pm in the funeral home.

Donations in her memory may be made to MOAA, https://www.moaa.org/

Online Tribute at www.memorialfuneralhome.com