Exia Ellen Randles was born on August 28, 1932 in Villa Green, Colorado to James and Irma Randles. The 2nd daughter in the middle of 5 brothers, she grew up with grit and a strong work ethic. She moved to Texas as a teenager where she would later meet her husband Earl Wesley Harding. They married in February of 1950 and after Earl left the military, they settled down in Grand Prairie, Texas where they would raise their family. In 1954 they welcomed their son Wes, in 1960 daughter Exia Ann, (Irma, who died at birth) and in 1970 daughter Marci. Exia spent more than 20 years working the factory line doing a man’s job while maintaining a home, being a dedicated wife and mother. Exia was a loving, involved mom who made the little things special. She put such thought into decorating the kid’s bedrooms, in making or buying that perfect gift and giving of her time. She also planted the seeds of faith by taking her kids to church and teaching them about Jesus.
A loving mother, grew into a loving grandmother and great-grandmother to 6 grandkids: Misty, Michelle, Max, Colton, Kourtney and Olivia, and 4 great-grandkids: Jackson, Jesse, Presley and Hunter. To them she was Nana. Exia was a fun, get down on the ground and play kind of Nana. She was a laugh until you cry, watch old tv show reruns and shop ’til you drop Nana. She taught sewing, cooking, card shuffling, games and showed each unconditional love.
Besides her children and grandchildren, Exia found joy in dancing, collecting owls (oh so many owls!), the music of Marty Robbins, a good murder mystery book, scrapbooking, traveling to see friends and family, and of course, the slot machines in Vegas. Though she slowed down quite a bit with the loss of her eyesight, being surrounded by family brought her great joy.
Exia was a strong woman and persevered through many trials in life. As a child she survived severe sickness during the dust bowl. In adulthood, she faced the heartbreak of a stillborn child, the loss of her husband before she was 60 years old, two battles with breast cancer and a diagnosis of glaucoma that would eventually take her vision. In spite of it all, she kept on fighting. And we are so glad that she did.
On July 4, 2025, at the age of 92, Exia went home to be with the Lord. Having lived with her daughter Exia Ann and son-in-law Robert for the last 30 years, the loss of their close relationship has left a great void. She was a treasure to all who knew her and she is greatly missed.
Exia is survived by her daughter Exia Ann, son-in-law Robert; daughter Marci and son-in-law David; son-in-law Scott; daughter-in-law Cherie; grandkids Misty, Michelle and Tim (spouse), Max and Jeff (spouse), Colton, Kourtney and Olivia; great-grandkids Jackson, Jesse, Presley and Hunter.
A memorial in Exia’s honor will be held at The Payne Home, 4482 Prairie Falcon Way, Turlock, CA on October 18th 2025 at 3pm.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Susan G. Komen Foundation (www.komen.org) for breast cancer research in honor of Exia Harding.
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