Harper, Helen “Kay” October 16, 1942 - April 20, 2025

Helen Kay Harper, lovingly known as Kay, was born on October 16, 1942, in Cedar County, Missouri, to Floyd Byron “Bike” Messick and Ina Curnutt Messick. She passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, at the age of 82.

From ages five through twelve, Kay attended Johnson School, a rural one-room schoolhouse, and later graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1960. In 1961, she began her career at Cedar County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) as a Medical Record Clerk. In 1963, she married Bennie David Harper, and together they welcomed two sons, Bart David Harper and Barry Douglas Harper.

After working as a bookkeeper for CCMH, Kay chose to stay home in 1964 to raise her boys. In 1976, she returned to work as a bookkeeper for the El Dorado Nursing Home. Beverly Enterprises later sponsored her coursework at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she earned her administrator license in June 1981. As an administrator, she oversaw eight nursing homes throughout her career. Later, she served as interim administrator for facilities in Branson and Sullivan, Missouri, before concluding her career at the Humansville nursing home. She retired on October 1, 2004. In addition to her professional career, Kay also served the community while working with others to assure health and tax accounting for County Boards.

Kay was proud of the life and career she built through determination and hard work — values instilled in her from an early age. She worked alongside her parents on the family farm, hauling wheat and hay, feeding cattle, and learning to cook for her family. After marrying Bennie, they continued to live in El Dorado Springs and raise their sons while also running the family farm together. Kay and Bennie took over the farm operations on August 22, 1991.

During her younger years, Kay loved spending time outdoors with her sisters and cousins, especially swimming and fishing in Cedar Creek. Throughout her life, Kay enjoyed many hobbies, including cooking, gardening, potting flowers, and auction sales. She cherished catching up with friends during routine swim classes and lunches in town. Sunrises on the farm were so special to her. She was a strong believer in Christ and lived her life guided by faith. Her relationship with God was evident in the way she cared for others and found joy in the simple blessings of life.

Above all, Kay cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and a loyal friend. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her children and grandchildren, creating memories filled with laughter, love, and warmth. No one ever left her home hungry—Kay made sure of that, always offering a warm meal and a generous heart.

Though our hearts are heavy, we are comforted by the countless memories we shared — the lifelong stories, the warm hugs, the words of encouragement, the strong voice, the loud laughter, and the quiet moments that meant everything. Her legacy will continue to live through all who knew and loved her.

Kay is survived by her loving husband, Bennie Harper; her sister, Fay Sayre; her children, Bart and Barry, and their spouses, Wilma and Stephanie; her cherished grandchildren, Jessica, Megan, Hunter and Haden; her loved step grandchildren Rachael, Riley and Tatum; great grandchildren, Oliva, Rhett, and Harper; and step grandchildren, Evie and Pruitt. She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Ina Messick, as well as her sisters, Leola Bland and Leona Bland.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 25th, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service on Saturday, April 26th, at 10:00 a.m. Both services will take place at Sheldon Funeral Home, located at 2111 State Highway 32, El Dorado Springs, Missouri 64744.

Any donations or flowers can be left with Sheldon Funeral Home. All donations will be utilized solely for continuing healthcare education scholarships provided on Kay’s behalf by her grandchildren.