Ruby Darlene (Matheson) Harper, 91

MIDDLEBOROUGH  -  Ruby Darlene (Matheson) Harper, age 91, of Middleborough, the Oak Point Community, formerly of Mashpee and Bourne, died on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River.

Born in Elmer, Missouri, she was the daughter of the late Russell & Hazel (Arment) Matheson.  Darlene grew up in Iowa, and graduated high school in 1952.  She married Ray Harper and they soon started their family.  Darlene was a homemaker and devoted to raising her children.  The family moved often because of Ray's job.  They resided in Iowa, California, Minnesota, Michigan, out of the country in Bangkok, Thailand, during the Vietnam War, and back to the United States in Illinois before finally settling in Massachusetts.  Darlene never complained; she moved each time and liked seeing different parts of the country.

Darlene & Ray owned numerous time-share weeks, so they vacationed often, spending much time in Florida visiting family.  In her free time, she loved to read, especially mysteries and occasionally a thriller.  Darlene enjoyed ballroom dancing, playing and watching tennis, playing bingo, watching the Hallmark channel, shopping, and dining out.  She cherished time spent with family and loved doting on the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; they brought her great joy!  Darlene was loved and will be missed.  

Darlene was the beloved wife of the late Ray G. Harper; loving mother of Robin Pilla & her husband Michael of Middleborough, Steven Harper of Iowa, Dawn Murphy of Florida and Troy Harper & his wife Jeanne of Missouri; cherished "GRAMS" of Nicholas & Jessica, Christopher & Jennifer, Matthew & Jennifer, Lauren & Branden, Jack, Alexander & Desiree, Jason, Courtney, Shelley & Justin, Mary, Joseph, Brendan & Angela, Daniel & Allison, Erin & Nathaniel; great-grandmother of 17; and dear sister of Arthur Matheson of Iowa and the late Nora Meador.

There will be NO visiting hours.

Funeral and Interment services are private.

For online condolences, please visit our website:  www.ashleydrolettefuneralhome.com