Mary Ellen Harper's Obituary
Mary Ellen Harper, 91, of Claremore, Oklahoma
Mary Ellen Harper, 91, of Claremore, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026. She was born on April 3, 1934, in Lawton, Oklahoma, into a large and lively family of thirteen brothers and sisters. Growing up on a farm, she learned the value of hard work early in life, helping her family pick cotton, soybeans, and corn. As one of the older children, she took on the loving responsibility of raising her youngest siblings—an act of devotion that shaped the generous, steady-hearted woman she became.
In 1952, after the Korean War, Mary Ellen met the love of her life, Kenneth. Their partnership was one built on loyalty, humor, and quiet strength. She later began her lifelong calling in caregiving, working first as a nurse aide at Rebold Manor before joining Oral Roberts University, where she dedicated 32 years of service. Her compassion, patience, and gentle spirit touched countless lives.
Mary Ellen had a creative soul and a knack for turning simple moments into cherished memories. She loved to color, crochet, and knit—crafts that brought her joy and comfort throughout her life. She found peace in watching birds outside her window and never missed an episode of her favorite show, The Price Is Right. In the kitchen, she was nothing short of legendary, especially when it came to canning vegetables. Her homemade beets were a family treasure, perfected through years of care and tradition.
Mary Ellen’s life was defined by love—love for her family, for her work, and for the small, beautiful things that made each day meaningful. She will be remembered for her kindness, her resilience, and the warmth she brought to everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were touched by her unwavering generosity.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
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