Bette J. Harper

Bette J. Harper, 93, died September 2, 2018 at the Manor House in Sigourney, Iowa. She was born August 3, 1925 to Joseph Dewey and Monna Maurine Lemley Schlatter in Wayland, Iowa.  She attended Crawfordsville schools and graduated from Washington High School in Washington. Bette served in the United States Cadet Nurse Corp from 1944 – 1946 stationed at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, she graduated in 1946. On July 19, 1947 she married William O. Harper in Washington. They lived and farmed in the Van Buren Township and moved into Sigourney in 2009. Bette was employed at the Washington County Hospital, Sigourney Hospital, Keokuk County Engineers Office, ASCS office and later the Keokuk County Extension office.  She was a member of the United Methodist Church, UMW, B.E. Bridge Club, Lydia's Red Hats, Aspasia Chapter #198 Order of the Eastern Star,  the Thursday Club, Keokuk County Arts Council, AARP and the Foster Care Review Board. Bette enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, knitting, sewing and her hats. She also loved following her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their activities.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill on November 7, 2009, grandson Jason Harper, brother and sister-in- law Max and Phyllis Schlatter and daughter-in- law Karol Harper.

She is survived by her children Mike (Mary) Harper of Keota, Sheri (Jeff) Gann of Sigourney, Debi (Doug) Flanders of Sigourney, Doug Harper of Wasta, South Dakota, 8 grandchildren Jarred Gann, Mindy Schattner, Kari Tinnes, Jake Flanders, Kelley Fettkether, Jillian Flanders, Audrina Harper and June Daing, 10 great-grandchildren Alex Gann, Riley Gann, Paige Gann, Mariah Tinnes, Makayla Tinnes, Noah Schattner, Levi Schattner, Harper Schattner, Lucy Flanders and Estelle Flanders.