Shirley June Backer Harper was born June 23, 1934 in the old hospital in Midwest, Wyoming to John and Opal Backer. She grew up in Midwest along with her younger brother Bill while her dad worked the oil fields and mother was post master. She attended school in Midwest and graduated from high school in 1952.

After high school she went to the University of Wyoming and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1955. After becoming a nurse, she moved to Sheridan and began work at the VA Hospital. It was at this time she met and married Bill Harper on February 16, 1957. They went on to raise two children, first came Susan in 1958 then David in 1960. Shirley and Bill spent a lifetime together in love for 61 years until Bill’s passing in 2018.

In the time they were married, Bill and Shirley moved and worked at several ranches together including the Bar V, Beckton Stock Farm, and the Mead Creek ranch where Bill was employed as a cowboy and Shirley was the ranch cook.

In 1964 they moved to the family ranch in Banner, Wyoming and she went back to nursing taking a job at Sheridan Memorial Hospital and later worked at the Schunk Clinic, and Dr. Reeds office. She then returned to work at the VA Hospital in 1972. Shirley retired from the VA in 1991, but wasn’t done yet so she worked as a school nurse for 8 more years. With her entire nursing career lasted nearly 50 years of helping others.

It was her family that gave her the greatest joy with her 2 children, 5 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. Shirley also loved to create wonderful quilts, insuring that everyone in the family had their own quilt to keep and treasure as a special memory of her and her kindness. Outside of being a doting grandmother, Shirley also enjoyed reading, gardening, and cooking. She also belonged to the Wyoming Nurses Association and The Banner Women’s Club.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Susie Kay Andrews, her husband Bill Harper, and brother Bill Backer. She is survived by her son David Harper (Sarah), and her grandchildren: Jake Andrews (Vickie), Jeff Andrews (Jessie), Grace Harper, Sebastian Harper, Katherine Harper.

Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Sheridan. Date and time to be announced.

Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.

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