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- The Beckley Register-Herald, Beckley, WV, Online Edition, 2 Jan 2011
On Wednesday, December 29th, 2010, after a long and good life, our mother, Ruth Naomi Martin Harper of the Cranberry Community, passed away at home. A longtime resident of Upper Sandlick, she was in her 98th year.
Ruth was born on July 28th, 1912, at Hinton. Her parents were the late Granville A. Martin and Martha Daniel Martin Daniel. Her father died when she was 3 years old. Ruth's mother would marry Robert C. Daniel. The blended families would create a family of 14 children, several dying in infancy. Her siblings that lived to adulthood were brothers, Merritt and Manther Martin, Herb and George Daniel, and sisters, Panzy Tocado, Essie Dillon, and Josie Haley. They have preceded Ruth in death.
Ruth Harper was an interesting woman. The era of time when she was born and growing up prevented many people from receiving a formal education. Ruth was a "self-educated woman." An accomplished writer, she studied and read the classics and wrote numerous poems. Ruth always read her Bible. Several years ago, the late Bev Davis, writer and editor for The Register-Herald, published one of Ruth's essays in the local paper. She kept an open mind on life and was always reading and staying on top of current events that took place during her long life. Up to the month before her death, she still worked her daily crossword puzzle and her mind was keen until the end. She loved to sew. Ruth will be buried in one of her own dresses.
Ruth was married to James Mason Harper, who has preceded her in death. To this union were born three sons, Paul Harper of Mt. Hope, Roy Lee Harper and his wife Judy of Cranberry and Glen Harper and his wife Julie of Daniels.
"Granny Ruth" was blessed to have many grandchildren; they are Connie Martin and her husband Tommy, David Harper, Sirena Harper, Danny Harper and his wife, Susan, Ruth Sofield and her husband Daryl, Robert Harper, Anthony Harper and his wife, Tracey, and James Harper; she was the proud great-grandmother of Roy Brandon Harper and his wife, Jackie, Amanda Harper, Troy Lewis, Ryan Harper, Kaylyn Harper, Keith Dillon, Sydney Harper, Chase Harper, and Tristen Harper; she was the dear great-great-grandmother of Maverick Harper, and Kolton Harper. A brother, Paul Daniel, survives as well as a large extended family.
On Monday, January 3rd, at 3 p.m. we will remember the life of this great lady with a Service of Remembrance at the Melton Mortuary Chapel. Pastor Gary Walker will be officiating. Ruth will then be laid to rest at the Daniel Cemetery at Upper Sandlick. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at the mortuary and one hour prior to the service on Monday. Her Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
"And so grow along with me, the best is yet to be.'' For Ruth Harper, "The best was saved for last." Hers was a life well lived.
Condolences may be sent to the family's guestbook at www.meltonmortuary.com.
Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Inc., Beckley, WV.
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1912 - 2010 (98 years)
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