March 25, 1917 – June 12, 2021
It is with profound sadness, our family announces the passing of a loving mother and friend to all, Alma Harper. Alma passed away on Saturday June 12, 2021, at the age of 104 years in Olds. Alma, who was born on March 25, 1917, was raised in Olds.
She went to school at Waterside and later Olds. She was married to her husband George Harper on November 30, 1938. She was a prairie girl at heart and helped her husband on the family farm. Alma spent her days on the farm raising chickens, turkeys and tending to her huge garden (where there were no weeds in sight). She was a wonderful cook and baker, and one could always count on fresh chocolate chip cookies, homemade buns or the smell of fried chicken in Alma’s kitchen as they were her specialty. Alma was a faithful member of the Ennerdale Ladies Aid and the Glamis Women’s Institute as well as a leader for the Girls Club. She had a lot of adversities over her 104 years, but always took everything in stride with a smile.
After the passing of her husband George in 1981, Alma went to Mesa, Arizona to visit her sister Jean. Alma loved it there so much she decided to purchase a little park model trailer in Fiesta Seniors Park and for 20 years during the winter months, this became Alma’s second home. While in Mesa, she learned many new activities and learned how to swim. She also became quite the artist, creating beautiful crafts and paintings, many of which her family are enjoying in their homes today. Alma was a kind and loveable person who had the biggest heart and touched so many lives as she always wanted to help others and took interest in the people she met. We will always cherish our memories of Alma as she will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.
Alma is survived by her daughter Eileen (Gordon) Miller, and her son Ken (Ann) Harper, both of Olds; grandchildren Teresa (Alan) Grayston, Roberta (Randy) Lindstrom, Travis Miller, Dean (Maureen) Harper, Tara Harper (EJ); 9 great- grandchildren; 4 great-great grandsons; 1 sister-in-law Grace Duff of Red Deer.
Alma was predeceased by her parents Gertrude and Fred Duff; her four sisters Nellie, Marjorie, Jean, and Audrey; 1 brother John Duff; husband George Harper; daughter-in-law Donna Harper; 1 great-grandson Tyler Grayston as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A private family service will be held in Olds. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary or the Alzheimer Society. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with arrangements. 403-507-8610 Condolences may be made or sent to www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
