Ruth Harper

Ruth E. Harper, 84, of Mount Vernon, Ill., died Monday, July 4, 2005, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Aug. 20, 1920, in Glendale, Ill., daughter of Charles and Florence Aly Broadway. She and Harry E. Harper were married Oct. 5, 1940, in Cape Girardeau. He died Dec. 8, 1998.

Mrs. Harper and her husband operated Harper Propane 28 years.

Survivors include a sister, Hildred Simmons of Cape Girardeau; a sister-in-law, Golda Mae Rector of Mount Vernon; a nephew, Steve Simmons and wife Kay of Cape Girardeau; a niece, Barbara Jean Lanpher and husband Ted of Advance, Mo.; and A.J. Newman of Mount Vernon, who was like a godson to Mrs. Harper.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Friends may call at Glendale United Methodist Church in Glendale from noon until service time today.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. today at the church, with Steve Simmons officiating. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery.

Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon is in charge of arrangements.