Kathleen Diane (Barney) Harper

Kathleen Diane Harper, 75, of Portage, formerly of Climax, went home to be with her Lord December 5, 2019. She was born March 26, 1944 in San Angelo, Texas to the late Samuel A. and Margaret L. (Rye) Barney.

Kathy was a resident of Climax for over 40 years, where she was elected to village counsel and served as a trustee for 2 years. She was a 1962 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School and pursued further education at Bronson School of Nursing, graduating in 1965. Kathy served as First Lieutenant in the Nurse Corp of the Michigan Air National Guard from 1968-1970 and was honorably discharged as a Captain from the US Air Force in 1975. She was employed as a nurse at many places until she became a homemaker in 1976. These included the Battle Creek Sanitarium, Bronson Hospital, Community Hospital, and Bronson School of Nursing. Kathy was a faithful member of Wakeshma Community Church and an active member of the church prayer chain. She previously served on the Climax Township ambulance service, Climax Mothers Club, Climax Rural Homemakers, Bunco Group, and Climax Extension. Kathy enjoyed taking care of people, sending and receiving cards, and staying connected with family and friends.

Kathy was united in marriage to Ronald W. Harper on the June 27, 1970 in Battle Creek, who survives. Also surviving are her son, Jeff (Kristin) Harper, and grandchildren, Austin, Haley, Sydney, and Samuel Harper; son, Steve Harper (fiancé Michelle Slaughter), her child, Stephanie Slaughter, and Special Exchange Student, Alina Busch; sister, Julie (Gary) Hayward; and brother, Jim Barney.

The family will greet friends Monday, December 16, 2019 from 5pm-7pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 205 E Maple St, Climax, Michigan 49034. A funeral service will take place Tuesday, December 17 at 11:00 AM at Wakeshma Community Church, 16732 E UV Ave, Fulton, Michigan 49052 with a reception immediately following. A private interment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to: Western Michigan University with designation (memo) to the Alumni of Bronson School of Nursing Scholarship. Donations can be directed by mail to: WMU Bronson School of Nursing, 1903 West Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008 or given at services.

Please visit Kathy's personalized online guestbook at https://www.langelands.com.