Cloudy, 33° F
(Oct. 18, 1938 - April 22, 2009)
Arlene Jane (Case) Harper died Wednesday, April 22 after a valiant battle with cancer.
Arlene was born Oct. 18, 1938 at home in Yellowstone County, Mont. She was the fourteenth of 15 children born to Cecelia and Paul Case. She came to Powell at the age of 10 to live with her sister Ethel. She attended Powell public schools, Northwest Community College and the University of Wyoming. A decision to pursue a cosmetology career took her to Oregon, where she met and married Richard Harper, the father of her three children.
Arlene worked for several years as a nurses' aide in elder-care facilities. She then spent many more years as a correctional officer for the State of Oregon until her retirement.
She moved back to Powell in 1999, and she rekindled many old friendships from her past. She loved to travel, mostly to see her children and grandchildren, and according to her family she had a great sense of humor and and indomitable spirit.
She is survived by her sisters, Ethel Sheme, Gertrude Canfield, Ora McCoy, Betty Spomer, Thelma Louie and Jolene Not Afraid; brother Marvin Case; sons Scott Harper (Wendy) of Hebo, Ore., and Steve Harper (Mia) of Newport, Wash.; daughter Jenni Davis of Orlando, Fla.; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
No services are planned at this time. Thompson Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements.
