Ruby Mae Harper

Ruby Mae Harper, age 88, resident of Fort Scott, died early Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, at Mercy Health Center. She was born Jan. 8, 1922, in Pittsburg, Kan., the daughter of Elmer Miller and Mamie Edwards Miller. She first married Herman Wesley Bacon in 1941. He was killed during World War II. She later married Harold LaVerne Harper on Dec. 29, 1945, at Fort Scott. He preceded her in death on June 9, 1989. Ruby worked as an aide at Mercy Hospital as well as Arkhaven Nursing Home. She later provided in-home care for elderly individuals. In addition to providing medical care, Ruby also worked as a seamstress and made many wedding and prom dresses. She also enjoyed gardening, quilting and playing cards. She was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her children, Rose Mary Pollard, Moundville, Mo., John Harper, Rush Springs, Okla., Jim Harper and wife, Debbie, Arma, Kan., David Harper and wife, Ellen, Bronson, Kan., Deborah Hazen, Fort Scott, Steven Harper and Michael Harper, all of Fort Scott; two brothers, Elmer Miller and wife, Mabel, Hiattville, Kan., and Herbert Miller and wife, Vangie, Rush Springs, Okla.; 22 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Herman Bacon; one sister, Viola Calderone; one brother, Delbert George; two grandchildren, Jamie Barrows and Nick Pollard; and two great-grandchildren, Shawn Harper and Cory Harper.

Pastor Carl Ellis and pastor Janet Myers will conduct funeral services at 1:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 18, at the St. John's United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday at the Cheney-Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the St. John's United Methodist Church Youth Dept. and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Words of remembrance may be emailed to the family at www.cheneywitt.com.