HARPER, Elnor Alice

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 11/28/2003 Elnor Alice Harper, 88, died Nov. 22 in Snowflake. She was born at her grandfathers homestead in St. David, the oldest of three children. Elnor completed her high school education in St. David and attended college at the Gila Academy in Thatcher, now known as Eastern Arizona College. She moved back to St. David where she met Elton Otto Harper. They were married Jan. 8, 1937 at the Mesa Arizona Temple; they never forgot the snow on the ground in Mesa that day. They lived in several areas, settling in Phoenix. Elton was a teacher, principal, and coach at each place they lived. Although Elnor was not a fan of sports, she loved spending time with Elton as he coached. Her interest included knitting, crocheting, quilting and hand crafts. One of her most cherished memories was attending the dedication of the Mesa Arizona Temple when she was in the eighth grade. She was always a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Primary, Relief Society, and Young Women's organizations. She also served in the Mesa Temple. With her willingness to serve Elnor has been a great example to her family and those that knew her. Elnor is survived by her son, Joseph Elton (Sandra) Harper of Orem, Utah; daughters, Sylvia (Jack) Biggs of Pinetop, Janice (Daun) Johnson of Lake Forest, California, Elizabeth (Jerry) Dunlap of Snowflake currently serving in the Panama City Mission, Renae (Vern) Hellmann of Gilbert; brother, Milton Dowel (Carolyn) Curtis of St. David; sister Clea (Chester) Brown of St. David; 35 grandchildren; and 73 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Elton Otto Harper, and her parents Milton and Alice Hatch Curtis. Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 28 at 1 p.m. at the Relief Society Building in Pima, with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Pima Cemetery. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements.