Carolyn “Carol” Dean Harper, age 74 of Helena, was welcomed into Heaven at 11:00 p.m. on January 29, 2017.
Carol was the eldest of nine children, born to Sanford Earl Carnes and Racheal Louise Carnes (Wisdom) in Walton, KY on May 2, 1942. As the oldest, she spent a great deal of time looking after her youngest siblings. She graduated from Boone County High in 1960, alongside Phillip Timothy Popp, who she then married that same year (1960 – 1973). Three years later Robbin was born, followed by Shawn, 15 months after.
In 1973, she met the love of her life, Fred Thomas Harper and they married on April 7, 1979 outside of Red Lodge, MT. Fred brought along two children, Erica and Brent. Carol loved both like her own.
Carol provided foster care for 30 years. Among all, two in particular, Jeffrey Rider and Brian Beebe stood out as her most precious. Hobbies included: buying and flipping houses, browsing garage sales with grandkids, family gatherings, sewing and visiting Glacier National Park, which was one of her favorite places.
When she was married to Phillip, he was a skydiver. Naturally, this meant she would have to sky dive herself, which she did alongside her close friend Gloria Davis.
This would be the year of heirlooms, as she made sure she stocked up on goodies for all of her children and grandchildren just so they could have something to remember her by.
Carol is survived by her: husband, Fred Harper of Helena; daughters: Robbin (Timothy T.) Talbert and Shawn (Timothy B.) Beckman; step-children, Erica (Greg) Carnes and Brent (Mitzi) Harper; siblings: Coreta (Bill) Kersey, Gary (Tsvaten) Carnes, Michael (Jeannie) Carnes, Dennis (Peggy) Carnes, Daryl (Janet) Carnes and Greg (Erica) Carnes; grandchildren: Brandi Bennett, Shawna (Austin) Schuchart, Brad Popp, Erin Schuchart, Lindsey Harper, Cory (Jaiden) Popp, Daniel Talbert; great-grandchildren: Parker, Caleb B., Elijah, Caleb D., Brady, Tyler, Abby, Kenzie, Andy, Hadleigh, Paytin and Ryder; also survived by many aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces. Other survivors included Carol’s good friends Glen and Gloria Davis, Nata and Randy Noland, Regina Voorhies and Butch Black. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, David and Larry Carnes, Beloved Jeffrey Rider and lifelong friends Donna Black and Nora Foster.
The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Peter’s Hospital and Big Sky Care Center for the kindness and wonderful care that they provided to Carol.
Private family services will be held at a later date. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Carol.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Jeff Beemon says
I am so sorry for your loss. Although I lost touch with you over time all my memories of Carol are fond ones.
Erica says
God Looked Around His Garden
God looked around His garden
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
He saw the road was getting rough
And the hills were hard to climb,
So He closed your weary eyelids
And whispered “Peace be thine.”
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn’t go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
Always remembered, always loved.
Erica
Glen and Gloria Davis says
Dear Fred and family, we are so saddened by the loss of our dear friend, Carol. We have been friends with you all for a long time and we share your grief in Carol’s passing. The one comfort is knowing she is no longer in pain and is with Jeff, her parents, Donna, and loved ones who have gone before her. You’re in our thoughts and prayers always.
Laura A Nisbet says
Robbin and Tim, and family
Your Mom was a diamond in the rough! She let you know how it was and how it was going to be! I loved that spirit of determination in her. I remember Fred and Carol’s generous and fun loving side-housing some of the hockey boys and going to many games to support them!
Rev 21:4 and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. May you find hope in His word, comfort in His loving arms.
Love you~
Shawna says
Oh grandma. I’ll never forget so many things. Your mashed potatoes haha, how you redecorated my house and hid all of my pictures, finding my favorite stuffed animal “chicky” that you hid in a hope chest so I’d have him later (and I still do), the way you always said exactly what you think, and your love of shopping. I remember a goat named cocoa, sleepovers and even when we lived with you for a while. I could not have asked for A better grandma. Oh I miss you so much already.
Glen says
Carolyn was one of the good ones. I’ve known her 35 years. We went out to see my daughter (Erin) get married, it had been around 20 years since we saw Carolyn. It was like we never lost contact. She insisted we have dinner and hang out with them most of the time we were there. She loved my girls Shawna and Erin so much, and they surely loved her. I’m going to miss Carolyn as will anyone that ever met her. Rest in peace Carolyn.
Regina Voorhies says
Carol I’m so grateful to have had you in my life. Indeed you were the most wonderful person and friend to me. I will always love you. But who couldn’t love you? You were honest.sincere and compassionate. Never afraid to be too gentle or too strong. I all ready miss our daily talks. My heart is simply broken. My thoughts and prayers to the entire family. I know your hearts are broken.
Shawn Popp says
I will always miss you mom.Its been a little rough lately with all your pain.I will find comfort in you are no longer suffering.And the good memories like the time we washed Brads car and managed to wash half the car.And the garage sales and the way you loved to decorate.And the love you had for your family.Rest now we all love you forever.
Tara Kelleher says
It has been a long while since i had seen Carol, last time was at baby shower.. I can say she always made me feel welcome and part of the family.. God speed.. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Sandra M. Almas says
I am very sorry for the loss of Carolyn. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Carnes, Popp and Harper families and all of Carolyn’s extended family and all of her friends. Rest well and in peace Carolyn. God Bless.
Mitzi Harper says
This beautiful lady is who I refer to as Grandma. I know her as a caring, giving, loving person. A woman with opinions and not afraid to voice them. A woman who opened her home to anyone who wanted to spend time in the west. Making everyone who came feel comfortable, welcome and wanting for nothing during there stay. At one point her great grandson Parker, was in need and waiting for a heart transplant. Grandma packed up her and PaPa leaving Montana, coming to Kentucky to give of herself. Staying about a month. Grandma took charge making my focus only on my grandson. I spoke to her later about how grateful I was to her. I don’t think she knew how much it really meant to me. But now may you be rewarded for all the kindness, concern, and giving of yourself. May you be feeling no pain and no worries. May you be sharing your special laugh with the angels. Until we meet again. Save me a place up there in the smoking section. So grateful to be able to remember you as you look in this beautiful picture.
Charles and Pat Davis says
Fred and family, Charles and I are so sorry to hear about Carol passing. We have always considered each of you our good friends. Although it has been years, I always loved visiting your home. It was so comfortable and cozy. Carol was a great decorator. God bless each of you.