Rebecca Renee Petersen Harper

Rebecca Renee Petersen Harper, 45, passed away on May 3, 2020.

Rebecca was born May 31, 1974 to Ronald Wayne Petersen and Sally Eileen Wallin in Provo, Utah while her parents were attending Brigham Young University. In her early years she lived in Logan, Utah, Salmon and Shelly, Idaho before growing up in Chubbuck, Idaho. Rebecca attended Highland High School in Pocatello and graduated from Highland in 1992 as a valedictorian.

She attended Brigham Young University on scholarship from 1993 to 1999, taking an 18 month break in 1995 and 1996 to serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Boston Massachusetts. During her mission, she was switched from English to Cambodian speaking (and learned Cambodian without any formal training) where she learned to love the Cambodian people. In 1999, Rebecca graduated from BYU with a B.A. and M.A. in English Rhetoric. Rebecca was the go-to family editor and grammar corrector of resumes, articles, and books throughout her life.

On August 19, 1997, Rebecca was sealed to her husband Nathan Harper in the Idaho Falls Temple. On June 5, 1999 in Provo, Utah, Rebecca and Nathan were blessed with the birth of their son, Dallin Benjamin Harper. Rebecca and her family then moved to Bowling Green, Ohio so Nathan could attend Bowling Green State University and obtain his master's degree in Organizational Development. After Bowling Green, they lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. While residing in Iowa, their daughter Meredith Rebecca Harper was born, but died shortly after birth and was buried in Cedar Rapids.

Dallin developed some health problems and Rebecca formed an Autism Parent Support Group and became an advocate in the school system for children with learning challenges. Her efforts eventually resulted in the creation a full-time funded advocate position through a National Autism Advocacy organization

Rebecca and her family then moved to Mt. Vernon, Illinois where they lived for 5 years. They then moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma then Lenexa, Kansas before returning west to Eagle, Idaho in 2018. In each place where they lived, Rebecca advocated in school systems for children with learning challenges; and, offered support and advise for parents struggling to help their learning challenged children.

Rebecca developed a love for finance and economics and was working towards her MBA at Boise State University. She was on track to become a Certified Financial Advisor so she could join her father, Ronald Wayne Petersen, and brother, Steven J. Petersen, in their practice with Ameriprise.

In each place where she lived, Rebecca was involved in community service, advocating for those with no voice, and developing loving relationships with friends and family. She also loved running the "Harper Hotel". Rebecca was the favorite aunt of her nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. She was each family member's biggest fan. Rebecca found space in her life and heart to make each friend and family member feel unique, special, and loved.

Rebecca was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ and had a steadfast testimony of Him as her Savior and Friend. She served in the Young Women's, Relief Society, Primary, and Seminary organizations in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in many different capacities. Rebecca shared her musical talents by playing the piano and organ in meetings and the temple. As a music director, she loved presenting Christ-centered Easter and Christmas programs.

Rebecca loved music, beautifully written text, date nights with Nathan, and good food. She was a gifted shopper and possessed excellent design skills. But, her greatest desires and accomplishments, were to be an example of a faithful follower of Christ, a faithful and loving wife, an outstanding mother and daughter, a favorite aunt, and a true friend to all.

Rebecca will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her legacy of goodness, kindness, friendship, and love for all has enriched the lives of so many. As we reflect on Rebecca's legacy, let us be inspired to live better, love more, seek friendship, and live as He, even Jesus Christ, would have us

A graveside service will be held in her honor on Friday, May 15, 2020 at the Mountain View Cemetery in Pocatello, Idaho. Those who plan on attending are asked to please wear a mask and observe social distancing practices. A live webcast of the service will be available at www.wilksfuneralhome.com/Rebecca-Harper-4/.

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