Lisa "Shelly" Harper

Lisa “Shelly” Schmidt Harper passed away at the age of 58 on September 8th at home in Springfield, MO surrounded by family. She is survived by her husband, Curt Harper, and children Benjamin Wensel and Beth Wensel Robins, and son in law Mitch Robins and grandson John “Jack” Robins, and mother Edna Schmidt and brothers Randy, Rick, Rodney, and Marty.

Shelly was born in St Louis and moved to Springfield after high school. She worked at Venture decorating cakes and went to St John’s Nursing school. There she met her first husband, Doug Wensel, and they were married in 1982. The Wensel family welcomed her with open arms, even after their divorce and throughout the rest of her life. Shelly was a Labor & Delivery nurse at St John’s/Mercy for 20-plus years, concluding her career there as an educator. She then worked on the Epic team and became a nursing informatics specialist and worked at hospitals in Iowa and Missouri.

Shelly met her soulmate Curt Harper in January 2007. They were married in April 2009. Together they enjoyed traveling, remodeling their home, spending time with friends, and eventually playing with their grandson, Jack.

Shelly had a rich life, working hard to give her children and family a good life. She was selfless and giving almost to a fault. She biked the MS 150 for multiple years. She baked and decorated cakes as a small side business early in her nursing career. She made Beth and Ben’s Halloween costumes. She worked at the St Agnes Elementary School library on her days off. She photographed births for friends and co-workers. She was always willing to help those in need, whether financially or emotionally, and she survived hard times herself. She was active at St. Agnes and enjoyed scrapbooking and gardening, among other hobbies.

Shelly was diagnosed with cancer in 2012. She fought through multiple surgeries to remove tumors, and rounds of radiation and chemo treatments. Everyone who knew her knew that she was tough and would make the most of the rest of her life.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 15th, at Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home in Springfield. A funeral mass will be said for her at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday the 16th at St. Agnes Church in Springfield.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society 3322 S. Campbell Suite G Springfield, MO 65807.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.