Mary Beth Harper, 69, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away at 5:40 a.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at her home with her beloved family at her side.
She was born May 27, 1956, in Granite City, Illinois, the daughter of the late Kendall E. Hillmer Sr. and Joan M. (Stanton) Hillmer.
Mary Beth married the love of her life, Richard Allen Harper, on July 1, 1989, at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Granite City, and he survives.
She retired in 2017 from Regions Bank in Granite City after 30 years of dedicated service as a bank teller. Mary Beth was a faithful member of Grace East Church in Pontoon Beach, where she enjoyed helping with Vacation Bible School and was active with the “Kitchen Ninjas.” She was also a proud member of the Granite City American Legion Post #307 Ladies Auxiliary.
Mary Beth cherished her grandchildren and will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She devoted her life to caring for her family, guiding them with her love, strength, and wisdom. In her free time, she enjoyed bowling, sewing, crocheting, and scrapbooking.
In addition to her beloved husband, she is survived by three children, Tabitha (Mark) Corley of St. Jacob, Larry Dale (Amber) Soechtig of Granite City, and Candice (Dany) Greene of Granite City; her niece, whom she loved as a daughter, Cortney (Aaron) Hillmer of Edwardsville; five grandchildren, Gabbie (Gage Hensley) Lewis, Lexie Soechtig, Ally Corley, Jase Corley, and Sophia Greene; a brother, Kendall E. (Melissa) Hillmer Jr. of Glen Carbon; two special friends, Rhoda Smith and Stephanie Vitale; many special nieces and nephews; and other extended family and friends.
In celebration of her life, visitation will be held at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City, on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the funeral home, with Reverend Steve McKinney officiating. Burial will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.
Memorials may be made to Grace East Church. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.irwinchapel.com.
