Tammie Marie Dungan Harper, 63, of West Plains, Missouri, passed away on October 16, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Born on June 20, 1963, in Trumann, Arkansas, Tammie was the daughter of John Wells Dugan and Delories “Dee” Swink Dungan. Tammie lived a life marked by kindness, resilience, hard work, and a deep gift for making others feel welcome. She carried warmth with her everywhere she went, and those who knew her will remember not only what she did in life, but the light she brought into every room.
Tammie is preceded in death by her parents, father in law Jerry Harper Sr., her brother Wells Miller Dungan and his wife Dora and their daughter Vera.
She is survived by her husband of 40 years Ronnie Harper of West Plains MO; two brothers, Mike Dungan and wife Effie of Trumann and Gary Dungan and wife Nancy of Atlanta, GA; sister, Tracie Dungan of Fayetteville, AR; Sister in law Barbara Dungan of Jonesboro AR; Mother in law Jackie Harper of West Plains, MO; Brother in law Rodney Harper and wife Cindy of West Plains, MO; nieces and nephews, Elizabeth Dungan, Jan Dungan, Jana Greenwell, Logan Dungan, all of Truman AR, Thomas Dungan of Edinburgh, Scottland, Rebecca Dungan of Colorado Springs, CO, Leslie Harper of St. Louis, MO, Jerry Robert Harper of West Plains, MO.
From her Arkansas roots, she grew into a woman who met life with determination and a steady spirit. Education and service were important parts of her journey, and she went on to earn her master’s degree from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. It was there that her life took another meaningful turn, when she met Ronnie Harper. Their connection became something lasting and strong, built on friendship, trust, and shared years together. Tammie and Ronnie were married on July 26, 1986, and were best friends and partners in this life.
Much of Tammie’s career was devoted to serving others as a speech pathologist with the West Plains School District. Later working part-time for Mammoth Spring School District and Thayer School district for the past 10 years. Through that work, she helped children in ways that mattered deeply, offering skill, patience, and care to those who needed her. Her work reflected the person she was at her core: compassionate, committed, and dependable. She gave of herself generously, and her presence was one that others could rely on. Whether in the classroom, among colleagues, or in the lives of the students she served, Tammie made a lasting difference.
Those who knew Tammie remember her as kind, funny, and hardworking, but even more than that, they remember how she made people feel. She knew no stranger. Tammie had a way of putting others at ease and bringing joy wherever she went. She had a bright spirit and a natural ability to make people feel seen, heard, and welcome. Her sense of humor and easy warmth made her a cherished friend and a beloved presence in the lives of many. She had the rare gift of making ordinary moments feel better simply by being part of them, and she left many people with happier hearts than they had before.
Tammie’s life was also filled with interests and passions that brought her joy. She loved her pets. She was definitely known as the cat lady. Her pets over the years brought her joy. She loved sports—sports and more sports, as those who knew her would say. She was an avid football and WNBA fan but also enjoyed tennis, baseball, gymnastics, swimming, anything Olympic related just to name a few. She enjoyed watching Pardon the Interruption every afternoon to hear them rehash all the sports. These interests were more than pastime; they were part of the rhythm of her life and often a source of fun, conversation, and connection. She loved going to the beach, eating Mexican food and drinking margaritas. She had a love-hate relationship with Little Debbie. She loved rocking in her rocking chairs. She did not rock slowly but instead rocked like she lived fast and fun.
She held strong beliefs and cared deeply about causes that mattered to her, including women’s rights and animal rescue. These values reflected her sense of fairness, compassion, and responsibility toward others. Tammie cared about making the world better in the ways she could, and her convictions were part of the thoughtful, generous person she was. She believed in kindness with purpose, and she lived in a way that showed her concern for both people and animals alike.
Tammie’s life was shaped by love, loyalty, and an enduring partnership with Ronnie. Their marriage began after they met at Arkansas State University, and it grew into a lifelong bond built on friendship and shared life. Together they experienced the ordinary and meaningful moments that become the foundation of a life well lived. Their relationship was a true partnership, and the love they shared was evident to those around them. In a world that can often feel hurried and uncertain, Tammie and Ronnie’s bond stood as a reminder of the strength found in steadfast companionship.
Her passing leaves a space that cannot be filled, but her memory will remain alive in the many lives she touched. Tammie brought joy wherever she went, and that joy was not fleeting. It came from who she was at her core: a woman who cared deeply, worked faithfully, loved sincerely, and made the people around her feel better simply by being herself. Her legacy is found in the kindness she offered, the laughter she shared, the lives she supported through her work, and the love she gave so freely.
Though Tammie’s time on this earth has ended, the beauty of her life continues in the hearts of those who loved her. She will be remembered with affection, gratitude, and deep respect by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life was a blessing to many, and her memory will continue to shine in the stories shared, the lessons learned, and the love she leaves behind.
In honoring Tammie Marie Dungan Harper, we remember a woman who knew no stranger, who brightened each day with her presence, and who lived with a rare blend of strength and tenderness. She will be dearly missed and always lovingly remembered.
In her continued compassion for people to have fun, she asked that there would not be just one memorial service for her. She asks that each of her friend and family groups find ways to celebrate her life in their own way.
There will be no formal memorial service or celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an animal shelter of your choice in Tammie Harper’s memory. Arrangements in care of Carter Funeral Home of West Plains, Missouri.