July 11, 1927 ~ February 8, 2024 (age 96)
Ruby Harper, our beloved mother, closed her eyes for the last time on Thursday, February 8th, 2024. She was a woman of remarkable accomplishments, passions, and endearing characteristics. Her yard, meticulously maintained and filled with vibrant beauty, was her sanctuary-a place that took away all worries and pains. Mom would say, “A beautiful yard is a gift of beauty for neighbors or passersby to enjoy.” She generously shared the gift of nature’s beauty with others.”
In her own words, Ruby recounted the journey of her life. She wrote: “I was born in Malta Bend, Missouri on July 11, 1927, at my grandmother’s house to my parent’s Mary and Garland Webb. I lived there until our family moved to Jefferson City, Missouri when I was just a baby. My father worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad. He was transferred to Ogden, Utah when I was a senior in high school. The move was extra hard for me. At my school in Missouri, I was very involved with cheerleading, secretary of my 10th grade class, and drum majorette. I won several jitter bug dance contests. I finished my senior year and graduated from Ogden High in 1945.
After graduation I worked at Mirror Lake Lodge for the summer then accepted an office job at the Southern Pacific Railroad. In 1947 I was introduced to Trae Harper. We were married on March 17, 1948. Trae owned Harper Meat Packing Co. in Brigham City where we settled and raised our three children. I worked and kept books there for 18 years. After selling the Meat Packing Co. I worked for American Sportswear for two years then retired from Intermountain Indian School after working there for 15 years. It wasn’t long after retirement I decided I was bored, and I was hired as a cook in the school lunch program at Lakeview Elementary. I met so many wonderful friends there and to this day I cherish them all. My final retirement was from that job at the age of 71.
I enjoyed and loved doing so many things, decorating my home, yard work, taking care of my little garden, sewing, and canning with my daughter. I loved knitting baby blankets, slippers, dishcloths and piecing together many quilts for my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. I was an avid Jazz fan. I got so much enjoyment watching my grandchildren and great-grandchildren excel in their sports and dance.
I was very fortunate to travel and visit many countries with my sister Bonnie, her daughter Denise, son Dennis and his wife Frankie. I was blessed to have enjoyed many camping trips and cruises with my children and their families. I was very fortunate to take many trips with my son, Rod in his Semi and was able to see much of the country. I enjoyed many visits from my son Curt and his family. Our days were filled with going to Pioneer Park for picnics and feeding the ducks. We would drive around Brigham City for hours while I listened to him tell me all the history of our pioneers. My daughter, Becky taught me to love shopping and to appreciate all the boutiques. I just couldn’t wait for Swiss Days every year. I was always included in all their family parties and celebrations.
I loved riding my little red scooter, walking all over Brigham City, riding my bicycle and going to water aerobics.”
Despite facing adversity, such as the loss of her arm in an accident at the meat packing plant in 1953 at the age of 25, Ruby’s determination and spirit remained unbroken. When she made up her mind, little could stop her or stand in her way. Within six months she was knitting again, showcasing her remarkable resilience. You knew you were truly someone special when she gifted you a beautiful pair of hand-knitted house slippers or a dish cloth. It was rare not to be presented with a loaf of her homemade banana bread as a token of her gratitude.
Mom’s independence was admirable. She held firm to her desire not to burden others and rarely asked for help unless absolutely necessary. Her self-reliance was both a source of pride and occasional frustration for those closest to her.
Mom was a member of the Presbyterian Church. She held the position of a Deacon until her health failed her and she could no longer serve. She had many friends from her church and treasured those friendships every day.
Mom is survived by her two children: Becky (Ken) Simkins, Curt (JuLee) Harper, daughter-in-law Julie Harper. Fourteen grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. Two sisters: Bonnie Harper and Barbara Barrow as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Trae Harper, son Rodney Harper, grandson Rodney Trent Harper, sister Dixie Fowles, and step-grandson Darrin Simkins.
We are so grateful for Mom’s example. She taught us all to be strong and that you can get through life’s toughest struggles and trials.
Our mom was someone who could take the place of all others but whose place no one else will ever take.
We want to express immense gratitude for family, friends and neighbors who always stopped by for a visit. We want to express our love and appreciation to the Hospice Nurses and the aids. Mom loved them and they became like family.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Myers Mortuary, 205 South 100 East, Brigham City, Utah.
A Viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary.
Interment will be at the Brigham City Cemetery.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at Myers Mortuary.