Dalys Harper

Dalys Harper

Dalys Mae Harper, 70, of Rugby peacefully went to be with her Lord on Thursday, January 13, 2011, at the Heart of America Care Center in Rugby, North Dakota. She was born November 11, 1940, in Rugby, to Gerhard and Ella (Anseth) Halvorson.

Dalys was raised on the family farm in Tuscarora Township, Pierce County.She received her elementary education at Brazil #4 rural school and graduated from Rugby High School.During her high school senior year, Dalys began working at the Johnson Clinic, P.C., through a work study program, as a front-desk receptionist.On June 12, 1960, she was united in marriage to Bryan “Bud” Harper at Bethel Lutheran Church in rural Rugby.With the exception of a year in Watertown, South Dakota, Dalys and Bud made their home in Rugby following their marriage.A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and homemaker, Dalys continued her career at the Johnson Clinic as front-desk supervisor, retiring because of health problems in 2002.Dalys and Bud were blessed with and raised four children in Rugby.

Anyone who knew Dalys always remembered her for her endless smile and kind words.She enjoyed gardening, planting her flowerbeds, reading, creating masterpieces from stained glass, and spending time with her family.She will be fondly remembered for her famous brown buns and butter horns. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Those who shared in her life were her loving husband of 50 years, Bryan “Bud”; sons, Marcus (Chuck) of Browns Point, Washington, Todd of Overland Park, Kansas, and Patrick (Shelia) of Woodbury, Minnesota; a daughter, Kristin Schmaltz of Minot; grandchildren, Sofia and Noah Harper-Jorgenson, Alex Harper, Sydney Harper, Morgan and Kyle Schmaltz;one great-granddaughter, Payton Harper; brothers, Malcolm (Alice) of Minot, and Gerald (Julianne) of Rugby; a sister, Doris (Jim) Mason of Citrus Springs, Florida; her extended family and caregivers at the Village; numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends. She was preceded in death by a brother, Orris; a sister, Donna Olson; and her parents.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 18, 2011, at First Lutheran Church, Rugby. Spring burial will be in Persilla Watts Cemetery, Rugby.Pastor Sharon Baker officiated. Music was provided by Craig Wollenburg, vocalist, Pam Anderson, organist, and the congregation.

Casketbearers were Jeffrey Halvorson, Darrin Harper, Larry Halvorson, Rob Halvorson, Steve Halvorson, and Gary Oksendahl.

Honorary bearers were The Village caregivers.

Arrangements by Anderson Funeral Home, Rugby.