Barbara Jane (Garner) Harper, age 76, of Ash Flat, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at her home.
She was born on June 7, 1950, in Wynne, Arkansas, to Beverly Austin Garner and Lois Omalee (Holt) Garner. She graduated from Rochelle Township High School in 1968.
Barbara married Ronald E. Harper Sr. on December 16,1990. They shared 27 years of marriage before his passing on March 26, 2017.
She worked for the Town & Country/Price Chopper Office as a Bookkeeper for many years. With transitioning careers, Barbara dedicated her life to helping others realize the dream of homeownership, through her fulfilling career as a Mortgage Loan Officer until she retired.
A two-time Kidney Transplant recipient, she showed incredible strength and determination throughout her life. Her first kidney was donated by her late Husband Ron in 1993 and lasted a remarkable 18 years.
Barbara spent countless hours cross stitching for her family and friends. She looked forward to Bingo nights and playing Bunco with the ladies. She was a member and officer of the TOPS program. Barbara enjoyed taking many scenic country drives with her daughter, Lisa. In her final months, those drives brought her comfort and peaceful moments despite her pain.
She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Hager Rodriguez of Rochelle, Illinois; cherished grandsons, Kane Rodriguez and wife Norma Gregorio-Perez of DeKalb, Illinois, and Jake Rodriguez (Odessa Waters), of Rochelle, Illinois; brother Steven Garner (Mona) of Hardy, Arkansas; and sister Linda (Mike) Chunko of Rochelle, Illinois; as well as her beloved nieces, nephews and friends.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Harper Sr.; her parents, Beverly and Lois Garner; and her loving sister Marilyn Lois Knight.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone at Legacy Hospice who helped care for my mom during her final months. Your kindness, compassion, and support meant more to us than I can put into words. I will always be grateful for the care you gave her and the support you gave me during such a difficult time.
Celebration of Life will be held at a later date under the direction of The Barker Funeral Home, Salem, Arkansas.
