Betty Harper

Mrs. Betty Harper, age 83, formerly of Ruston, Louisiana, living in Las Vegas, Nevada since 2016, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, in her home. She was born May 28, 1941, in Ruston, Louisiana, daughter of the late ‍Dillard “HD” and Thelma “TT” Darby.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of almost 60 years, Ross Harper (2020) and her younger brother, William “Bill” Darby (1999).‍

Betty had a passion for traveling and had numerous memorable experiences. She rode camels in Egypt, traversed Europe as a member of the Officer’s Wives Club and spent a decade exploring the United States in an RV with her husband, Ross. One of her favorite trips took them through New England, traveling north to Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. They eventually settled in South Texas where they lived for more than 20 years. While in South Texas, Betty obtained her motorcycle license at the age of 75 and joined the Conservative Retiree Adult Bikers (CRABs) club, where she and Ross enjoyed riding on their Honda Goldwing Trike, exploring the back roads of South Texas.

Betty was outgoing, had boundless energy, and a big personality. She never met a stranger and made life-long friends everywhere she went. Whether she was deep into a game of Hand & Foot, Bridge, or Mexican Train, she did it all with passion and joy.

In addition to playing cards and dominos, Betty had a creative streak and enjoyed making baskets and teddy bears, cross stitch, and sewing. She had a love for reading, completing jigsaw puzzles and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She had many dogs through the years; her favorite breed was the Pug. ‍

Betty was also a devoted sports fan and would watch any sporting event she could find on TV. Her favorite teams to cheer on included the Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Aces, Vegas Golden Knights, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Betty enjoyed playing softball and bowling. She helped coach high school volleyball, played an active role in numerous ways in her daughter’s swimming career, and supported her grandchildren in their many sporting endeavors.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Leigh Ann Szymczak (Bob) of Las Vegas, and Barbi Shires (Kevin) of Ashburn, Virginia; her cherished grandchildren, Trevor Shires (Gabby) of Akron, and Abigail “Abi” Shires also of Ashburn; also, her dear niece, Ann Roberts (Greg) of Connecticut, all of whom will carry her spirit forward with love, laughter, and stories. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her.

‍‍Although Betty’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. May her memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of joy, loyalty, and deep connection in all that we do. To have known her was to be welcomed warmly, teased lovingly, and loved fiercely.

A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, August 17th at 1:00pm at Arcola United Methodist Church in Sterling, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Arcola United Methodist Church, Sterling, Virginia.