Rita A. Harper

Rita A. Harper, 66, of Peru, passed away unexpectedly on May 1, 2026 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Sunday May 10, at the Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle with Rev. Alex Garncarz officiating.  Visitation will Sunday from 11:00 AM until time of services.  Cremation will follow services.

Rita was born in Gary, IN on April 14, 1960 to Lewis and Opal (Fry) Harper.  She worked as a in home health caregiver for Addus.  She enjoyed nature and feeding her animals.  She was a devoted grandmother and loved them dearly.

Rita is survived by four children, Michael Harper of Peru, Toby (Jessica) Harper of Ottawa, Joshua Harper of Granville and Jennifer (Josh Zukauski) Harper of Wyanet; sixteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and one on the way; five brothers, Wayne, Larry, Danny, Rodney and Joe; two sisters, Janice and Judy; many nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; one brother Denny; and three sisters, Sandy, Cathy, and Lona.

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