Bette Ann Palma Harper (Van Butselaar) June 29, 1926 "" July 5, 2010 Bette Harper, a long time resident of Big Rapids, Michigan, passed away in her home on July 5, 2010. Bette will be missed by her children; William Ashton Harper, Jr (Rochelle) of Portland, OR, Joseph Alexander Harper (Therese) of Big Rapids, MI, Sarah Catherine Howes (James) of Bellingham, WA, James Palma (Molly Burns) of Chicago, IL, David William (Bonnie) of Vale, NC , Thomas Peter Graham (Kirsten) of San Antonio, TX, and Stephen Daniel Edward of Big Rapids, MI; her loving brothers and sisters-in-law, Thomas and Elaine Harper, David and Grace Harper, and Dibby and Dee Westenbrook; her grandchildren, Alison (Anthony Polidano), Keith, Paul, Emily, Madeleine, Karina, Chelsea (Martin Whittle), Rosanne, Jacob, Rachael, Clare and William; and her aunts and great aunts, cousins, neighbors, fellow parishioners and her dear friends near and far. Bette was preceded in death by her loving husband William Ashton Harper and her parents Peter and Martha (Van Overloop) Palma. A memorial service will be held at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 408 W. Bellevue St. Big Rapids, Michigan at eleven o'clock in the morning on Friday July 9, 2010. Donations may be made in her honor to Hospice of Michigan 400 Perry Ave., Big Rapids, MI 49307 or to the of your choice.