Karolyn was born on July 20, 1949 in Billings, MT to parents Franklin and Blanche “Terrie” (Mills) Merrill. The family moved to Lovell, WY before relocating to Sidney, MT in 1953. Karolyn grew up and attended schools in Sidney, graduating from Sidney High School in 1967. Karolyn was united in marriage to William C. “Bill” Harper on January 13, 1968, in Sidney, MT. They had two daughters, Melissa Jo and Erin Lynn.
Karolyn’s first job was working as a custodian for the Brorson School in the mid-1970’s. In 1979, she opened a gift shop in the basement of their N. Central home called Homespun Reflections, shortly after, moving the business to its permanent location in the octagon-shaped building next to Sidney Oil Co. There, she sold many of her hand-made gifts throughout the 1980’s with her daughters often helping work the sales desk after school. Karolyn closed Homespun Reflections in 1993 with countless fond memories of the many people that came to her shop.
Karolyn was initially a member of the Pella Lutheran Church, enjoying many years and significant family events with that congregation. She eventually joined the Lonsdale United Methodist Church to be with her mother-in-law Vergie Harper. Karolyn became an active member, developing many lasting and loved friendships that continued until her passing. She was especially happy that both of her daughters were married in Sidney at Lonsdale United Methodist Church.
Karolyn was a member of the Red Hat Society and was a volunteer at the Sidney Health Center Caring Corner, as well as at the Mon-Dak Heritage Center. Karolyn enjoyed quilting and spending time in her garden. She had a deep love of her family and dearly loved family gatherings where she could visit and hear the stories of everyone’s lives. Whenever she could attend, Karolyn always enjoyed watching the activities of the children in the family.
Karolyn died on Thursday morning, April 27, 2017, at the Sidney Health Center in Sidney, MT.
Surviving her are: her husband, William “Bill” Harper, Sidney, MT; her daughters, Melissa Jo (Brett) Lapham and Erin Lynn (Bryan) Grummett, both of Billings, MT; brother, Steve (Donna) Merrill, Glendive, MT; sisters, Nancy (Bill) Forrester, Sacramento, CA and Sue (Tom) Gardner, Reno, NV; brother and sister-in-law, Joe (Anita) Harper, Cody, WY and Jann Harper (Ed) Leppien, Spokane, WA; numerous nieces, nephews, and their children.
Karolyn was preceded in death by: her parents, Franklin and Blanche Merrill; her mother and father-in-law, Vergie and ElRay Harper; her brother-in-law, Ron Harper.

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