Gladys Harper

Gladys Ruth Harper, 98, formerly of the Forks of the Water community in Highland County, passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at Pendleton Manor in Franklin, WV.

She was born July 13, 1921 in Riverton, WV, a daughter of the late Samuel Showalter and Sally Ann (Teter) Warner. On June 27, 1941 she married Arthur “Dwight” Harper, who preceded her in death on February 12, 2006.

Gladys was a member of the former Harper Chapel United Methodist Church and a member of Wayside Baptist Church.

In addition to being a lifelong homemaker, Gladys had worked for Dolly’s Restaurant in Franklin, WV as well as 10 years at Aileen, Inc. in Monterey. She will be remembered for her wonderful cooking and her famous breads and maple doughnuts and always insured no one ever left hungry. She enjoyed time spent raising a garden, playing Rook and Bingo, as well as taking care of her grandchildren. Above all, she will be remembered as an exceptional model of how to live life and was a friend, comforter, loving mother and grandmother to all her family, who were the center of her life.

Mrs. Harper is survived by a son, A. Dwight Harper, Jr. of Monterey; three daughters, Phyllis Brock and husband, Clarence J. “Joe” of Mill Gap, Karen Rexrode of Monterey and Debra Harper and husband, Paul Payne of Monterey; eight grandchildren, Bridgett Harper Allen, Jeanette Harper, Sheryl Brock, Stacey M. Rexrode, April Rexrode Armstrong, Ryan P. Harper, Aaron F. Harper and Zachary T. Vandevander; 10 great-grandchildren;  three great-great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Joey Brock; four sisters, Myrtle, Mona, Pearline and infant Mary Warner; nine brothers, Burke, Denver, Keith, Brooks, John, Golden, Dale, Roscoe and March Warner; as well as a daughter-in-law, Maggie Harper and two sons-in-laws, Glenn Rexrode and Charles Vandevander.

A funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m., Saturday, February 15, 2020 at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell with speakers Robert W. Kelly and Michael Boesch officiating.  Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Franklin, WV.

Gladys’ grandchildren and great-grandchildren will serve as active and honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, as well as other times at the homes of the children.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pendleton Manor, PO Box 700, Franklin, WV 26807.