Irene E. Harper, 88, a resident of Othello passed away Sunday, November 20, 2011 at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, her loving family at her side. Interment will be at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood, Kansas. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.

Local arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake. Irene was born on April 8, 1923 in Ellinwood, Kansas daughter of the late Frank and Maggie (Britenbach) Wendel. She was married to Elmer Harper and they moved to Wyoming in 1948 where they farmed. In 1961 they moved to Basin, Wyoming and purchased the Landmark - Markham Hotel where Irene catered dinners and lunches. She sold the hotel in 2002 and moved to Othello, where she has lived since. Irene was an avid bridge player and enjoyed gardening. She was from a family of nine.

Irene is survived by one son, James Harper; one brother, Ambrose Wendel; one grandson, Tim and Kim Harper, Moses Lake and one granddaughter Anji and Adriel Garza, Othello; 6 great grandchildren, AJ Garza, Abi Garza, Payton Harper, Aurora Harper, Brianna Harper and Kylie Harper.