Mary Lou (McIntire) Harper

Mary Lou Harper, 86, formerly of Massillon, more recently of Bolivar, passed away peacefully, early Thursday morning, December 8, 2022.  Born in Dellroy, Ohio, January 1, 1936, a daughter to the late Robert J. and Hazel (Hinton) McIntire, Mary Lou graduated from the former Dellroy High School with the Class of 1954.  Her childhood was spent on the family farm where she helped raise sheep and chickens and showed Herefords at the Carroll County Fair.  Mary Lou completed the nursing program at the old Mercy School of Nursing and worked as a registered nurse for many years at various facilities. Mary Lou met and married the love of her life, Jim, while in nursing school. A gifted seamstress, she enjoyed sewing, handwork and other craft projects. She never shied from hard work and doing for others came very naturally to her.  She was the caregiver to both her mother and mother-in-law, and to her sisters, Lila Mae and Lita Fae.  A devoted wife and a loving and supportive mom, grandma and great-grandma, Mary Lou was also a loyal and selfless friend and neighbor; never too busy to check in or call. While her health allowed, Mary Lou attended St. John’s United Church of Christ, in Massillon.  She was involved in the Massillon Garden Club and loved to shop garage sales and find a good bargain!    

Predeceased by her parents; her husband of 62 years, Jim Harper; and a granddaughter, Amanda Wingerter;  Mary is survived by her children, Rick J. (Sandie) Harper, of Massillon, Randy J. (Anne) Harper, of Mineral City and Rhonda L. (Larry) Mills, of Troy, North Carolina.  Also surviving are her grandchildren, Breanne (Bob) Walter, Matthew (Laurie) Harper, Jenn (Ken) Henthorn, Jackie (Wes) Stroud, Andrew (Katie) Harper, Logan (Ellie) Harper, Joseph (Hannah) Harper and Angela Harper; great-grandchildren, Eden, Alex, Lauren and Lila; grandson-in-law, Bill Wingerter; special niece, Judy (Dennis) McComb, and many treasured relatives and friends.

A private burial has taken place and the family is planning a true celebration of Mary Lou’s life for a later date.  Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Massillon has been entrusted with the immediate arrangements.  Your memories and condolences are always welcome and may be added to our on-line guestbook at www.atkinsonfeucht.com. Contributions in honor of Mary Lou can be made to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave., SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.

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