Elsie E. Harper

Elsie E. Harper, 96, Independence, MO, passed away Sunday, October 19, 2003, at the Rosewood Health Care Center. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 1, in the Community Room at the Groves. The family suggests contributions to the Groves congregation of the Community of Christ, or to a charity of choice. Mrs. Harper was born March 2, 1907, in Webb City MO, to Ira E. and Lillie Belle Bray. She moved to Independence in 1957, and had worked for Montgomery Wards, both in Denver, CO, and in Kansas City, for 47 years prior to retiring in 1972. She volunteered to help her community in a variety of ways, spending time with the Hospital Auxilary, the Charles F. Grabske Library, the Birchwood Library, and the Temple Library, as well as being very active for many years at the Stone Church. She sang in the Messiah Choir. She was a member of the Community of Christ and had been a long-time member of Stone Church before joining the Groves congregation. Mrs. Harper was preceded in death by her husband, Clive Harper; a brother, Roy Bray; two sisters, Laura Miller and Addie Marsh; and a nephew, Gene Marsh. She is survived by her sister, Bertha Steck, Independence MO; her niece, Carol Zelk, Independence MO, and eight nephews.