Theola Harper

Theola Geraldine “Jeri” Harper died on Monday, March 12, 2018 at Sunshine Gardens in Durango, Colorado.
Mrs. Harper was born in Puxico, Missouri on March 18, 1923 to Raymond and Ethel Cardwell. She was one of eleven children. As the oldest girl, she began cooking at 9 years old. Cooking and serving others were her special God-given gifts. She loved having family and friends to their home.
On September 16, 1940 she married Edward Harper in Bloomfield, Missouri. They shared 65 wonderful years working and in Ministry together. They owned and operated Nu-Way Cleaners in Greeley, Colorado. In the early 1970’s, they moved to Breen, Colorado. Mrs. Harper served alongside her husband as he managed Hesperus Baptist camp. They were charter members of Hesperus Baptist Church where Mrs. Harper served in many areas. From teaching vacation bible school to the kitchen committee. Spending time with her family was one of her greatest joys: holiday gatherings, hunting trips to Hermosa, and fishing trips to Lake Powell.
Mrs. Harper is survived by sons, Nolan Eugene Harper (wife – Sue) of Mancos, Colorado, James Edward Harper (wife – Sharon) of Breen, Colorado; brothers, Lou Cardwell and Del Cardwell (wife - Thelma), sisters, Iva Arant and Vivian Marsellos of Missouri; 5 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.
Mrs. Harper was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Harper, infant son, Harold Lee Harper, and grandson, Kevin Eugene Harper.
A funeral service will be held at Hesperus Baptist Church on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 10:00 am. Pastor Brett Willis will officiate.
Burial will follow immediately at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Mancos, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to: The Hesperus Baptist Camp P.O. Drawer 10, Hesperus, CO 81326.