during 1943 and 1944. After graduation, she moved to Omaha, where she worked for the U S National Bank until moving to Blair in 1947 to work. Bethel and Albert Eugene Harper were married in Valley, June 16, 1945.
Bethel and her husband moved to Scribner in 1949 when they purchased the Scribner Rustler. They owned and operated the paper until they retired in 1994. She was a long time member of the Scribner United Church of Christ, and she faithfully served the church as organist for many years. Bethel was a member of the Women's fellowship and also the Tri'C's fellowship where she served as secretary-treasurer. She was clerk of the church. She served as secretary of the Scribner Housing Board from 1996 to 2004. Bethel enjoyed membership in Eastern Star chapters, Mystic Circle # 126 of Scribner and Friendship Chapter #122 of Hooper. Bethel moved to live with her son Richard in Omaha in 2003.
She is survived by:
2 daughters - Constance Gillis of Fremont
Roxanne Betts of Fremont
3 sons----- Wendell and wife Sharon Harper of Omaha
Richard and wife Kristin Harper of Omaha
Terry and wife Jean Harper of Omaha
11 grandchildren
10 great grandchildren
Bethel was preceded in death by husband Albert in 1995
The funeral service will be Thursday, December 20, 10:30am at United Church of Christ in Scribner, with Rev. Linda Newman officiating. The committal will be in Memorial Cemetery, Fremont. Memorials may be given to the church.
Visitation will be at Ludvigsen's Scribner Chapel, Wednesday from 3 P.M. to 8 P.M., family will be there from 6:00 to 7:30.
Condolences(6)
Larry Moeller
Manhattan, KS Tuesday, December 25, 2007 To All the Harpers, esp. Wendell, "Doody" and Richard who I knew best: I hail both your parents as great citizens of Scribner, from Nebraska Rural Health Services to The Rustler.....always contributing and exploring possibilities. Your Mother was smart, hardworking, and created some great kids. You are all Al and Bethel's legacies. Death ends a Life but Not a Relationship.....so you can still ask your Mom's advice "forever"...........take good care and enjoy each day, Larry MoellerAnita Hall
Omaha, NE Wednesday, December 19, 2007 Terry I was so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.Teresa Menking
Nickerson, NE Wednesday, December 19, 2007 Condolences and blessings to the Harper family in this time of loss.Fred & Allison Fachman
Hooper, NE Tuesday, December 18, 2007 I always enjoyed Al and Bethel when They came into the Hooper Inn that my family operated for many years. Thanks for the memories.Barbara Kumm
La Feria, TX Tuesday, December 18, 2007 I'm so sorry Wendell, You will miss your mother. Love BarbAnne Jung (Zahourek)
Napa, CA Tuesday, December 18, 2007 Sorry to read of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm flying into Omaha on Thursday.