Elaine Harper was born on July 27, 1934 to Horatio and Mildred Aycock Dees in Hallettsville, Texas. She received her primary and secondary education in the Hallettsville (Lavaca County), Texas public school system. At the tender age of eighteen she married Oscar Harper Jr. on May 31, 1953 in Hallettsville, Texas. This exemplary union continued for 63 years!

She completed her L.V.N. training at Victoria College in Victoria, Texas in 1967. After completing her professional training, Elaine secured employment with the Stevens Nursing Home in Hallettsville. Later, she became its Director of Nursing.

As Director of Nursing, she directed the day to day patient care operations of the Nursing Home, and taught "patient care" training classes, as well as in service classes, for nurses and nurses' aides. She trained her students to provide the highest caliber of care for their patients. She refused to accept poor quality patient care. She demanded the best from her students and employees. She was a no-nonsense professional. She ran a tight ship!

She didn't take no stuff from anybody, and she was highly respected and admired. Many of the nurses and aides she taught and trained forty years ago are still providing quality patient care today, and they continue to hold her in the highest esteem. In the process of time, she became part owner of the Stevens Nursing Home and continued to work there until she retired in 1986.

Elaine Harper was a longtime, faithful member of Saint Peter Lutheran Church in Hallettsville, Texas. She could always be counted on do her share and then some! She especially enjoyed participating in the regular bake sales! She loves the church and the church loved her.

Elaine Harper was a multifaceted and multitalented lady: She was a caring and loving daughter; a committed and devoted wife; a loving sister; a doting aunt; a faithful church member; an unselfish servant; a good neighbor; an involved community leader; a talented seamstress; an excellent cook; a stylish and meticulous dresser; a genuine animal lover, who enjoyed taking care of her delightful Chihuahuas; a dedicated gardener, who maintained an award winning yard; a smart business woman; an acknowledged cattle woman, who partnered with her husband in operating their successful cattle business; and she was an immaculate housekeeper. You could eat off her floors while looking at your reflection in the well-polished hardwood!

The world is a better place because Elaine Harper passed through it! She will be greatly missed by many. Where everyone to whom she did some loving service or on whom she had some positive influence, to bring a blossom to her grave, she would sleep tonight beneath a wilderness of flowers!

Elaine was preceded in death by: Brothers, Ollie Dees, who died in infancy and Jarvis Means; parents, Horatio and Mildred Aycock Dees; and husband, Oscar (Boo) Harper.

She quietly departed this life and entered into eternity on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at the Stevens Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she had served with dedication and distinction for many years!

Elaine leaves to cherish her memory: brother, Elbert Dees of San Antonio, TX; sister, Bobbie Neal of Austin, TX; committed friends, Donald and Sandra Wilson; dedicated godchildren, Jeremy and Dondra Wilson; close family friends, Leon Barnes family; very devoted niece, Brenda (Doug) Jones; special great-nieces, Rudie (Jonathan) McGowan and Stacy Williams; her entire church family; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends!

Special thanks is extended to the administration and staff of the Stevens Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the quality care you provided our beloved Elaine Harper! Also, we are sincerely grateful for the compassionate and sensitive care provided by the staff of Hospice of South Texas - Hallettsville Branch! Additionally, special appreciation is expressed for the patient, kind, and attentive care provided by Sitter, Janice Calahan.

Memorial Service: 11 am, Saturday, July 22, 2017 at St. Peter Lutheran Church of Hallettsville.