HARPER, Mary Elizabeth

Norvel Owens Mortuary, Flagstaff, Arizona Mary Elizabeth Harper (July 29, 1915 - April 8, 2012) Mary Elizabeth Harper, 96, of Flagstaff passed away April 8, 2012. She was born July 29, 1915 in Panama. A celebration of her life will be Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 11:00 am at Flagstaff Christian Fellowship, 123 S. Beaver Street, Flagstaff, Arizona. ~~~~~~~~~ Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona Sunday, April 15, 2012 Mary Elizabeth Harper, 96, longtime resident of Flagstaff passed away Sunday, April 8, 2012. Mary Elizabeth Ports was born on the Isthmus of Panama on July 29, 1915. Her family moved to the US when she was a small child. Mary Elizabeth graduated from AZ State Teacher's College (now NAU) as valedictorian of her class in 1937. Mary Elizabeth was a multi-talented, loving, generous person raising five children, teaching Spanish and French at Mount Elden Middle School, in 1969 starting a successful preschool (Rockhouse) with her husband, Harold. Mary Elizabeth and Harold were always involved in church activities, opening their home for church get-togethers, various Christian groups and missions. Mary Elizabeth devoted time visiting and ministering to the women inmates at the county jail. In recent years, she participated in Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child putting together dozens of boxes for children in need. Mary Elizabeth and Harold were known for their flower gardens. Their church, friends, family and favorite local businesses received beautiful flowers that Mary Elizabeth arranged and Harold delivered. Mary Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, of 67 years; son, Paul Harper; sons-in-law Homer Johnston and Daryl Merrick; one grandchild, Ryan Harper, and one great-grandchild, Dawson Merrick. She is survived by her children Carolyn Johnston, Mary Beth Merrick, David Harper and Jean Ann Harper; eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends. Memorial services will be April 21, 2012, 11:00 a.m., at Flagstaff Christian Fellowship, 123 S. Beaver, Flagstaff. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the charity of your choice. The family would like to give a special thanks to Heritage Assisted Living, Comfort Keepers, and Hospice Compassus for the love and care they gave our mother. Norvel Owens Mortuary is handling arrangements. This obituary was prepared by the Advertising Department (928) 556-2279.