Barbara Ann Harper

Barbara was a loving wife to William H. (Bill) Harper, III, for 47 years. She was a loving mom and Grammy, and involved in all her children’s school, scouts, sports, and church activities.

She worked for TWA, and after her children were grown, she worked at Capitol Federal Savings, PPG and LINK. She was a crafter, and owned Barb’s Country Parlor, a woman’s consignment clothing store in Lenexa, KS.

She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1987. She was active in fund-raising events for the MS Society and formed a second family with her support group at the MS Achievement Center.

She was preceded in death by: her father, George Robert Dragush; and her husband, William Henry Harper, III; sister-in-law: Carol Hughes; son-in-law: Kenneth Simison; and brother-in-law: Steve Troher.

She leaves: her three children, Christine A. (Mark) Littell, William H. (Beth) Harper, IV, and James J. (Michelle) Harper. She was Grammy to grandchildren: Ashley, Mary, Betsy, Five, Joseph, Seth, Frances, Emma, Ian, Angela, Sonni, Alexander, and Evelyn; and to great grandson: Andy. She is also survived by: her mother: Helen (Calovich) Dragush Kritzler; her siblings: Roberta Troher, George (Betty) Dragush, Marilyn (Tony) Severino; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Barbara focused on her faith in God and persevered through the difficulties of her illness. She planned her “going-away” party and is blessed to be with The Lord at the celebration of his resurrection.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Olathe, KS, all her dear friends, especially Sandy and Joe Bugni, Shirley Herbert, and Sue Ryan.

Visitation will be Monday, April 9, 2012 from 6-8 PM, with a rosary to be prayed at 6 PM at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 7023 W. 71st Street, Overland Park, KS, 66204. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, April 10, at 10 AM at the church. Interment will be at Gates of Heaven at 126th and Parallel, Kansas City, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Please offer condolences at www.mcgilleyhoge.com.