Margaret Rashelle Harper

Rashelle was born on October 10, 1959, in Temple, Texas, the daughter of Dan C. Harper and Suzanna (Davis) Harper. A lifelong Temple resident, she graduated from Temple High School and went on to earn her nursing degree as a Registered Nurse from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Class of 1982.

Rashelle dedicated her life to caring for and serving others. She began her career as an RN at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, where she worked faithfully for many years. Later, she answered a new calling in education, becoming a teacher with Temple ISD, where she spent more than two decades shaping young lives. Rashelle retired in 2020 from Jefferson Elementary, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, patience, and quiet strength that will be remembered by countless students and coworkers.

After retirement, Rashelle found joy in creativity and entrepreneurship, creating beautiful handmade wreaths through her business, “Wreaths by Rashelle.” She enjoyed traveling to craft shows and sharing her work with others. Rashelle also had a special fondness for giraffes, collecting many throughout her life—each one a reminder of her unique personality and gentle spirit.

Rashelle was a lifetime member of First Christian Church in Temple, now known as Chalice Church, where her faith remained an important part of her life.

She is survived by her brothers, Rinn Harper and wife Leslie of Leander, Texas, and Ray Harper and wife Sharon of Whitney, Texas; nieces and nephews, Joshua Harper and wife Heather of Temple, Aaron Harper of Temple, Katie Burnfield of Leander, Emily Trotter and husband Brandon of Belton, and Jason Harper of Leander; great-nieces and great-nephews, Ellie, Ryder, Taylor, Wesley, Danny, and Everly; and her dear friend, Marty Knight of Temple. Rashelle is also survived by her beloved feline companions, Tiger and Chanel, who brought her much comfort and companionship.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dan C. and Suzanna Harper; her brothers, Russell Harper and R. Davis Harper; and her nephew, Cass Harper.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home in Temple, with funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. A private entombment will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the BCRSEA (Bell County Retired School Employees Association) in Rashelle’s memory.

Rashelle will be remembered for her kind heart, servant spirit, love of family, and the many lives she touched through nursing, teaching, and friendship.