Katherine "Kaye" Harper Contreras

A rancher, educator, real estate professional, and a business owner, Kaye Contreras passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 5th, 2023, at the age of 63. She leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion and will be dearly missed by all who knew her as a friend, daughter, sister, and a mother.

Kaye always had a smile ready for you. It lit up any room she entered. Her warm, welcoming presence brought comfort to those around her. She had a way of making everyone feel valued and loved, extending her kindness to both friends and strangers alike.

Kaye was born on March 10, 1960, in San Antonio, Texas, to Dr. Herbert E. Harper, Jr. (who preceded her in death) and D’Ann (Taylor) Harper. From an early age, Kaye developed a passion for horses and raising cattle along with her parents at their family ranch in south Texas. Through that passion, she learned the value of a strong work ethic and fierce independence. One could even say Kaye was more comfortable saddling up her horse, riding the fence lines, and checking on cattle rather than being behind a desk in a corporate office. Everyone who knew Kaye can attest that when she set her mind to something, she accomplished it. Kaye carried her passion and the lessons it taught her throughout her life.

Kaye’s career began by following her dad’s footsteps into the education profession. After graduating from Southwest Texas State University with a master’s degree in Education Administration, Kaye went on to teach elementary school in both San Antonio and Austin. Her career in education advanced to influential positions at the Texas Education Administration and Texas Association of School Boards. In those roles, Kaye was responsible for developing curricula for the entire state of Texas.

In the early 2000s, Kaye and her boys moved back to San Antonio, where she followed in her mother’s footsteps and joined the family’s real estate company, Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper Realtors. After several years, she bravely embarked on a new adventure and started her own business.

Kaye lived her life for her three sons. She loved them to the moon and back. She served as a pillar of love and support for them, pouring her heart and soul into nurturing, guiding, and instilling in them the values of hard work, kindness, and integrity. She also had a deep bond with her father, mother, and sister, with whom she shared many beautiful memories.

As we mourn the loss of our beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, let us also celebrate Kaye’s life and the countless ways she touched our hearts. Kaye exemplified unconditional love to everyone she met. She leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories, lessons, and love that will continue to shape the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

The family finds comfort in knowing that Kaye’s ‘daddy’ (Dr. Herbert E. Harper, Jr.) was waiting for her in heaven with a saddled horse ready to go ride!

Kaye is survived by her three sons, Miguel Contreras (Marina), Daniel Contreras, and Cristian Contreras, her mother D’Ann (Taylor) Harper (David Harrup), her sister Leesa Harper Rispoli (Nick), nieces Ashlee Arnn (Bobby), Marlee Kutzer (Rex), great nieces Lee’Ann and Cay’Lee Arnn, and great nephew Hayes Kutzer. Additionally, Kaye’s bonus family, Troy Harrup (Bridget), Claudette Harrup, and Rene Harrup, Chiara Geppert, Selena Geppert, and Garrett Harrup.

SERVICE:SATURDAY, JULY 15th, 2023Visitation 9-10:00 amService 10:00amPrivate interment to follow

Porter Loring North2102 N Loop 1604San Antonio, Texas78258

The family would also like to thank the compassionate nurses and doctors of the Methodist Hospital of Stone Oak – ER and Vitas In-patient Hospice Unit. Kaye’s final days were served and assisted by the ANGELIC nurses and doctor of Vitas Healthcare. To Becky, Jan, Regina, Kathy, Sarah, Bianca, Kameron, Melinda, Jorge, and Dr. Oblender: Words of thanks are not enough for the compassion, care and empathy you showed Kaye and our family. We will always remember you.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donating to the charity of your choice.