Ana Luisa Harris was born on December 23, 1976, in Bronx, New York, to her parents Nilda Mercado and Rafael Aguilar-Galindez. Ana grew up in Bronx where she gained her resiliency, tenacity, beautiful accent, and sassy ways. In 1994, she moved out on her own with her baby Michael. In 1996, Ana took a leap of faith and moved to Baltimore, Maryland. In 1998, her son Alan was born. Ana worked in accounting for most of her time on the East Coast. One day in 2003 she met Jermaine and they married in 2005. They welcomed Jayson later that year. 2005 was a busy year as the family moved 2700 miles to Spanaway, Washington.
After her father passed away, Ana decided to follow her dreams of becoming a medical professional. A dream inspired by the care provided to her father by health care workers before his passing. No stranger to hard work, Ana worked and went to school while still providing a loving home to her family. Initially she became a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked in that capacity until the next move. In 2009, the family moved to Junction City, Kansas. Ana worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant but soon found another calling at Irwin Army Community Hospital working in administration on the appointment line. Her intense work ethic and electrifying personality helped her move up the ranks quickly culminating in the position of Health System Specialist (Associate Group Practice Manager). One day Ana decided she wanted to finish what she started and went to Nursing School. She worked full time at IACH and went to the first night school program offered at Fort Riley. She became a Licensed Practical Nurse. After working as a nurse for a while she decided to push further and went back to school and became a Registered Nurse.
Ana worked in various hospitals to gain as much experience as she could to do the most good. She worked in the ICU at Salina Regional, Valley View Nursing Home in Junction City, and Irwin Army Community Hospital.
Ana’s father, Rafael, preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, Jermaine; sons, Michael, Alan, and Jayson; nine grandchildren; mother, Nilda; and sisters, Maribel and Ivelisse.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Junction City.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to one of Ana's favorite charities: The House of Ruth - Junction City, KS, House of Hope - Junction City, KS, the Geary County Food Pantry, Joyce Meyer Ministries or any Blessing Box in your local town.
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