Nettie Harper

Nettie Jean Harper of Union, Washington, died on March 14, 2023. Born on November 30, 1942 in Bremerton, Washington to Richard E. Harper and Kathryn F. Bacon, she first lived in Indianola on the Kitsap Peninsula. After the end of the war, her family moved to Seattle, where she graduated from Franklin High School. Nettie completed her B.A. degree at Mills College in Oakland, CA and later her M.A. at Central Washington University in Ellensburg. After she married Kelly Richard Johns they first lived in Issaquah, and when they retired they moved to Union, WA on the shores of Hood Canal.

Nettie's death at age 80 came at the end of a long life made rich by many friends and interests. She loved teaching, and for many years taught at Kentridge High School in Kent, WA. There she taught English, including Advanced Placement classes, and also directed several plays - some of them musicals, including Brigadoon and Guys and Dolls. During her teaching years she was active in the Kent Education Association. After retirement she volunteered to teach English as a second language to non-English speakers.

Nettie reached out with love and compassion to those around her, and her generosity, lively mind, and sense of humor made her a joy to be with. Her life was enriched by her many friends and her extended family. She loved being part of the community of Union, where she participated in a book club, a writing group, and a swimming group in Shelton. She also loved her English-style garden, overflowing with poppies, where she would play her flute to the delight of her neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her husband Kelly, and is survived by her sisters who live in the greater Seattle area: Patricia Johnston of Everett, Micaela Brostrom (Kenneth) of Mercer Island, and Marian Weldin of Normandy Park.

A scattering of ashes in Puget Sound will take place later in 2023.

Friend's family are invited to share memories and sign the family's online guest book on the website of McComb Wagner Funeral home.