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Memorial Service: Saturday, December 28, 2013 at 11am @ Keyston Christian Church, 2525 W. 56th Street Indianapolis, Indiana
Rita Harper passed away, at the age of 95, on December 15, 2013. Rita was born August 31, 1918 to George and Frances Hill. She had one brother who preceded her in death.
Rita’s father passed away when she was 5 years old. Her mother never remarried. When Rita was 6 years old, her mother moved the family to the family farm where she lived until she left for college. After graduating from high school, Rita worked in a wallpaper store doing clerical and sales work.
At the age of 18, Rita knew education was a very important part of her life. Leaving home with very few possessions and no money, she went to Rio Grande College in southeastern Ohio. She worked for 25¢ an hour in the Bursar’s Office and on the weekends, worked in the cafeteria as well. She earned her first years college room, board, tuition, and books at the rate of 25¢ per hour. Her mother became very ill, which required Rita’s presence and she had to drop out of college. While at Rio Grande College, Rita met the man of her dreams, Leo Harper, on January 1, 1939, and they were married on February 25, 1941. They lived a long and happy 64 years together before his passing on April 17, 2005.
The Harper’s moved to Indianapolis in 1942. The union of Leo and Rita had two wonderful children, Betty Dell and Edgar Harper. After having 2 children and Leo’s 2 tours of duty in wars, Rita returned to college at Butler University. She taught 2nd grade at school 39 and 4th grade at schools 61 and 80 in IPS and 4th grade at Delaware Trail in Washington Township.
Rita was always ready and willing to help wherever she saw a need. After Leo’s passing, she volunteered at Veteran’s Hospital and Keystone Christian Church.
Even though she had many aches and pains, she seldom complained but always said “I’m fine.” She will be missed by many, especially her son and daughter, her 4 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Betty Dell of Noblesville, and her son, Edgar Harper, of Indianapolis.
A memorial service will be held at Keystone Christian Church, 2525 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2013. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Rita’s name to Keystone Christian Church. Friends may sign her online guest book at www.indianafuneralcare.com.
Tina Newland Darling says
Rita, or “Mrs. Harper” as I knew her, was my 4th grade teacher at Delaware Trail in Indianapolis. She was tough, but her gentle ways would shine through. I still have a little Christmas craft that I made in her class, one that my mother cherished. She taught us to write cursive with fountain pens – unknown today, and probably a lost art. She cultivated manners and excellence in her students. Obviously, I have never forgotten her. She is a happy memory for me. My sincerest condolences to her family.
Vickie Biro says
Ed,
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I know how much time you spent with her and how lucky she was to have you for a son. Jeno thought the world of you both. I was just thinking of sending you both a Christmas card, I drove by your houses to get your addresses just the other day. We know she is in a better place, but yet that doesn’t always comfort us and make up for the loss and the emptiness, which can only pass with time. You are in my thoughts and in my prayers. God be with you at this time of loss.
Asaf Goldstein says
Ed,
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, we will miss her.
Asaf Goldstein
The Heinzman's says
Betty, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Cherish the memories you have of your mom. You will see her again someday. Love to all!
Danielle Kraese says
Rita was a special person to me. She was a patient of mine at work and I got to know her outside of work. She tried to teach me how to crochet but I just wasn’t able to get a hold on it. She also taught me how to pickle and they turn out great every year! I cherish the time I spent with her looking at her garden and just talking about all of her amazing life experiences. Luckily I got to see her just a week before her passing and feel blessed we had that time. She will be dearly missed by many. She will be a great Angel to have on our shoulders. God bless her and her family.
Coy Devine says
Ed, I was so sorry to learn of the loss of Rita. She was such a sweet lady and I always enjoyed her visits to Dr Rea’s office. She was a joy to talk to and to take care of and she never EVER complained, she just took it all in stride. I know she thought the world of you and you have always been such a wonderful and devoted son. I also know she will be terribly missed. It was such a blessing to be able to call her my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Coy Devine
Suetta Bartley says
I found your dad’s booklet last night in my prized possessions, and I re-read most of it and loaned it to my daughter who works at the VA in Indy in the cardiology unit. What a blessing both parents were, as my mom and I got to visit Rita in her home and have her show us her cross stitched angels with the metal fibers, which I know is harder to use than cotton floss. Every time I wet emboss a card, I think of her telling me how long to put the heat on it, just until the gold or silver melds. I miss both of them as Christian brothers and sisters in the Lord, when we attended church with them at Keystone. I just want you all to know, they impacted our lives positively, and I look forward to seeing them again. Your dad’s humor during the tough times of war made me sentimental and sad for him, but giggle too, at his outlook as he made me feel “there”. Love to you all and they will never be forgotten!