Mary Elizabeth Harper, a longtime resident of Flagstaff passed away
Sunday, April 8, 2012. She was 96 years old.

Mary Elizabeth Ports was born on the Isthmus of Panama on July 29, 1915.

Her family moved to the United States when she was a small child.
Mary Elizabeth graduated from AZ State Teacher's College (now Northern Arizona University) as valedictorian of her class in 1937.

Mary Elizabeth was a multi-talented, loving and generous person raising five children, teaching Spanish and French at Mount Elden Middle School,
starting a successful preschool (Rockhouse Playschool) with her husband,Harold, that has been in business since 1969. Mary Elizabeth and Harold were always involved in their church activities, opening their home for
church get togethers, various Christian groups and various missions. Mary Elizabeth also devoted her time visiting and ministering to the women
inmates at the county jail. In recent years, Mary Elizabeth participated in the Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child putting together dozens of
boxes for children in need. Mary Elizabeth and Harold were known for their flower gardens. For years, their church, friends, family and favorite local businesses received beautiful flowers that Mary Elizabeth would
arrange and Harold would deliver.
Mary Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, of 67 years; her son, Paul Harper; her sons-in-law Homer Johnston and Daryl Merrick;one grandchild, Ryan Harper, and one great grandchild, Dawson Merrick. She is survived by her children Carolyn Johnston, Mary Beth Merrick,David Harper and Jean Ann Harper; eight grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends.

Memorial services will be April 21, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., at Flagstaff Christian Fellowship, 123 S. Beaver, Flagstaff, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the charity of your choice.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Heritage Assisted Living, Comfort Keepers, and Hospice Compassus for all the love and care they gave our mother.