Arda Beth Harp

Arda Beth (Madsen) Harp was born on May 8,1931 in Maybell, Colorado, the daughter of Harold Madsen and Estella Ottosen Madsen. She was born during the worst part of the Great Depression, when the only doctor available was in Steamboat Springs, attending to her brother who had a ruptured appendix. So her mother gave birth to her by herself, while still caring for her other children. Arda came into this world as part of a long line of strong women, lived her life that way, and left her family legacy that way to continue through generations.

As a young girl, the family moved to Meeker where Arda attended schools, grew up riding horses, and exploring the country around Marvine Creek. Arda met her husband, Harry (Bud) Harp, in 1946 at her sister Iris’s wedding. Arda was still in high school at the time, so she and Bud waited to get married until after she graduated. They wed on September 26,1948 and began building their family in Meeker in 1950.

Arda and Bud lived a beautiful life in Meeker, raising a family and running businesses. Arda’s work carried her across many different industries - banking, shale oil, and electrical - to which she always brought her never ending spirit and good nature.

After retiring, Arda and Bud packed up their RV to make road trips across the US and Canada. They traveled throughout the Yukon Territory and Northwest Territory and drove almost every road in that area. They also made several trips through the Inland Passage on the Alaskan Ferries. They made a couple of trips overseas to Europe - visiting and traveling through Holland, Germany, Switzerland, France, England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Arda is survived by four children, Steven Harp and his wife Kathy of Fruita, Colorado; Ed Harp and his wife Lori of Orlando, Florida; Carla Gallaway and her husband Jon of Grand Junction, Colorado; and Paula Burress of Falls Church, Virginia. Five grandchildren, Alicia Watt and her husband J.C.; Lindsey Leone and her husband John; Abbey Schmalz and her husband Dan; Jenny Harp, and Michelle Harp. Six great-grandchildren, Anthony, Avery, Tyler, Reese, Noah and Olivia, and one great-great-granddaughter Olivia Rae.

In addition to her parents, Arda is preceded in death by her siblings: brothers Lamar, Dean, and Myron and sisters Elaine, Evelyn, and Iris.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, September 20th, at 11:00 a.m. at Highland Cemetery in Meeker, CO. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the Walbridge Memorial Wing in Meeker.

Arda will be very missed not only by her family, but by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. Rest in peace Grandma, we love you.