Ruby Opal Elizabeth Harper age 94 of Purcell, passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at Sunset Estates Nursing Home in Purcell. Ruby was born on March 18, 1922 in Mena, Arkansas, the 3rd child of five children born to John Rufus Brown and Ada Elizabeth (Thompson) Brown.

Ruby grew up on a farm south of Purcell and attended Purcell Schools. She stayed in school until she met and married the love of her life, Dee J. Harper. They were married on March 4th 1938 in Purcell and together raised three daughters, Anita Louise, Ruby Marie and Patricia Elaine. Ruby worked as a wife and homemaker most of her life. While her children were growing up she worked outside of the home for various businesses in Purcell including, Curt’s IGA, Hicks Western Wear and Wells Cleaners. After Dee retired, they enjoyed going to swap meets, flea markets and garage sales all over country. Their new hobby was buying and selling yard and farm tools and all kinds of house hold items. Ruby loved quilting, crocheting, going to family reunions and spending time with her family during the holidays. Ruby was a faithful Christian and for the past 60 years she had been a member of Union Hill Baptist Church, west of Purcell.

She was preceded in death by: Parents, J.R. and Ada Brown; Husband, Dee Harper on Nov. 2, 2010; One daughter, Anita Louise Smith in 1998; Two sisters, Dorcas Thompson and Odessa Shelton; Two brothers, J. W. Brown and Tommy Brown;

She is survived by: Two daughters, Marie Huddleston and husband Bob of Purcell, Elaine Webster and husband Howell of Lexington, One son-in-law, Lloyd Smith of Purcell; Seven grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 21 great great grandchildren, Several nieces, nephews and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at Union Hill Baptist Church, west of Purcell. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell.