Myrtle Anna Harper was born the daughter of George Moore and Emily Phipps Moore on April 18, 1921 in Alton, Missouri and died March 22, 2012 in Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Missouri.
She was united in marriage November 3, 1945 in the home of Harry Beatty to Waymon Harper who preceded her in death December 25, 1997.
She is survived by three children, Charles Harper and wife, Phyllis of Springfield, Missouri, Barbara Clark and husband, Mike of St. Louis, Missouri, and Cathy Deckard and husband, Russell of Thayer, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Christopher and Jeremy Clark, Matthew, Anthony and Keith Deckard and Roxie, Rhonda and Robert Lewsader; four great grandchildren, Matthew and Natalia Lewsader and Logen and Landen Deckard; two great great grandchildren, Victor and Penelope Lewsader, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one infant son, Billy Ray Harper; one grandson, Russ Deckard; two brothers and three sisters.
She was an avid gardener and loved to work with her flowers. She also enjoyed quilting and crocheting. She worked for many years for Riverways Home Health and Thayer Nursing Home. After her retirement she continued to visit and assist with the residents at the nursing home. She graduated with the class of 1939, which was the first class to graduate from the New Couch High School.
She will be remembered as an excellent pianist, playing for many funerals, revivals, weddings and other functions.
Mrs. Harper was an active member of the Norman Church for fifty years. She later attended Thayer Free Will Baptist Church before becoming a faithful member of Thayer Assembly of God Church.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and a loyal friend. She will truly be missed by all.
Funeral Services will be held Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at the Norman Church near Thayer with Brother Richard Robinson officiating. Burial will be at the Norman Cemetery.