Joann Louise Harper

Joann L. Harper passed away on March 29, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas. Born at home on October 15, 1935, to Donald E. and Thressa Leona (Howe) White, Joann grew up in Ottawa County, Kansas. She began her education at Sleepy Hollow, a one-room schoolhouse, and finished her primary through secondary education in Bennington, Kansas. In 1957, Joann earned a degree in Music Education from Kansas State University.

While at K-State, Joann met her future husband, Kermit Harper, in the K-State Marching Band. Their first date took place on a band bus returning from a KU–KSU football game—an early sign that music would remain at the heart of their life together. Over the years, they performed with both the Overland Park Civic Band and the Greater Kansas City American Legion Band.

Joann devoted 29 years to teaching music in the Shawnee Mission School District, primarily at Santa Fe Trail Elementary. However, her lifelong commitment to serving others through music began as a teen church organist at the former Bennington Presbyterian Church and continued in later years when she served as organist for two Kansas City area congregations. For several years, Joann taught piano to students of all ages which helped them realize the joy that comes from playing music.

Throughout her adult life, Joann remained deeply committed to supporting the music arts and education. For more than 60 years, Joann was a member of Mu Phi Epsilon, where she served one term as State President. She was also active in the Women’s Committee for the UMKC Conservatory and a member of Delta Kappa Gamma.

Faith and service were central to Joann’s life. As a longtime member of the Overland Park Presbyterian Church, she served on numerous committees, was ordained a Deacon, played the pipe organ, sang in the choir and played in the handbell choir.

Joann filled her years with those things she loved most: playing the flute, piccolo, piano, and pipe organ, attending a wide variety of musical performances with her husband and friends, reading, quilting, visiting with family, and traveling with friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kermit Harper; sister, Janet S. Graham; and nephew, Bryan Graham. She is survived by brother, Donald E. White, Jr.; daughters, Sandy Skucius (Jim) and Jackie Root (Eric); grandsons, Matt Skucius, Will (Janelle) Skucius, and Daniel (Krista) Skucius; and three great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts in Joann’s name to support the Kansas State University Department of Music Education.

A memorial has been established at the Kansas State University Foundation. Contributions may be sent to:

KSU Foundation 1800 Kimball Ave., Ste. 200 Manhattan, KS 66502

Please indicate fund M47523. Gifts may also be made online at: www.ksufoundation.org/give/memorials.