JoAnn Harper

JoAnn Harper, age 90, passed away peacefully October 1, 2022. JoAnn was born on February 28, 1932, in Paola, Kans.

JoAnn graduated from St. Agnes High School and went on to work for TWA. It was there that she met the love of her life, Don. They married on November 10, 1951 in Mission, Kans., and spent nearly 70 years holding the hand of their beloved. They had two children, Sharon Harper Arnoldi and Bradford Neil Harper. JoAnn devoted her life to caring for her family and creating a home filled with love. JoAnn often accompanied Don on his international travels for TWA and loved to tell about the places she had seen and the beautiful dresses she wore, especially the “red one.” When Don reminisced about their years together, JoAnn was quick to jump in with the “correct” version of the story. Of course, she had a twinkle in her eye all the while. She went along with Don’s love of camping, until one cold and rainy night she proclaimed that he had better take her to a Marriott or take her home. They never stopped going on adventures together, but they did stay in hotels from then on!

The highlight of JoAnn’s life was being “Grandma” to her four grandchildren, Eric, Hannah, Catherine and Emily. JoAnn doted on them and always showed up to support them in their many activities. Even though she was not fond of water, she spent countless hours out on the boat watching over her grandchildren. There was never a sunburn on her watch! JoAnn was known for her fabulous desserts and meticulous sewing skills. Her apple cake each Christmas was an all time favorite. JoAnn delighted in being ornery with her family. She may still be giggling about the time she set the table with her finest china after dinner, getting everyone to anticipate one of her delicious desserts, only to set out a piece of fruit instead! She hand stitched beautiful quilts for each of her grandchildren, and proclaimed we would always be wrapped up in her love. She spent many evenings square dancing with Don and would light up when she had a new dress to show her granddaughters. She would say, “This one really twirls!”

JoAnn eagerly welcomed eight great-grandchildren into her family, Ryan, Madison, Alice, Anjulie, Victoria, Fiona, Elliot and Benjamin. Her eyes never shone as bright as they did when she met each one of them. JoAnn stitched together a beautiful love story from her life; a love that will blanket her family’s hearts for all of time.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Breckenridge, Mo.