To view the flowers and plants from Starla’s visitation, click here: Starla Harper Flowers
Starla Rae Harper, 48, Surrey, formerly of New Town, a cherished soul who was known for her kind, loving, caring, and humorous personality passed away peacefully Thursday, September 19, 2024, in her home surrounded by her loving family. Starla lived her life filled with a tremendous passion to enjoy every day and lived a life filled with a tremendous passion and service towards others. It really didn’t matter if it was family or a stranger, her inner glow always showed through.
Starla was born July 1, 1976, the daughter of Sammy Albin and Rita Gail (Langved) Uran in Stanley, ND. She was raised on a farm in New Town, graduating from New Town High School in 1994.
Growing up Starla always loved her pets on the farm and this compassion for animals followed her into adulthood. After her diagnosis, she gained so much comfort from her two Bearded Dragons, Stevie Wonder and Wade Willson. The family would often find Starla asleep with one of her dragons snuggled up on her. She spent so much time with them, talking to them and allowing them to clear her mind and relax from the stress of her continuing cancer battle. Starla found enjoyment from listening to Lionel Richie. Starla loved music and would belt out “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” whenever it came on the radio. Although she couldn’t sing that well, she didn’t care and just sang at the top of her lungs. Whoever was around her was rewarded with her wonderful humorous renditions.
Starla’s positive attitude during her life always shined through her and was so addictive to everyone around her. All through her life, she definitely always remained a “Daddy’s Girl”. Her beauty and smile were electric and was always immediately noticed whenever she walked into the room. Her innocence was obvious to all, but her spicy, wild and fun sides were there also. Her childlike manners and sense of humor brought so much joy and laughter to so many while her mature nature, kept her mind on track to tackle her everyday responsibilities of life.
Starla was united in marriage to her soulmate, Roger L. Jr., on her birthday, July 1, 2004 in Minot. They were each other’s “person” and the perfect definition of “polar opposites attract.” It didn’t matter if they were out on a spontaneous outing or lounging around at home watching their favorite sitcoms, they enjoyed every second of it. The simplicity of their love was remarkable.
Starla was employed at REM in 2000 as a support specialist at a Group Home in Minot. Her connection to her clients and her efforts working toward a nursing degree helped her to quickly be promoted to work in the Day Program. This allowed Starla to work one-on-one with her clients out in public. She loved working with them each day and built a bond with each one of them. Her ability to work with adults with special needs helped her advance in her career.
Starla then started working at Minot Head Start program in 2010. This is where she found her true calling. Starla loved working with “her” kids in the classroom and quickly earned her certification to be an Assistant Teacher and paraprofessional. She loved her job but never really accepted it as just a “job”. Helping and teaching children was a special joy to her. Each year she looked forward to seeing the new kids come into her class but felt a bit sad at the same time. She knew each year some of her kids would move on to kindergarten. Starla enjoyed seeing kids that she taught years before, in public that now had kids of their own. Starla always had time to spend with the children and she left forever positive impressions on them, as they left on her.
In Feb of 2020, Starla was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer. Although given only four months to live, Starla continued to keep her positive attitude, and she had to fight for every single day. Through 58 cycles of chemotherapy, countless number of surgeries and more than 30 trips to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, Starla continued to work in her class. She would find the strength to go in even the day after her chemo cycle. She loved her kids and staff in her class. Starla understood the gift that she was given each day, and she took advantage of all the time she was given.
Starla was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church in New Town where she was baptized and confirmed. She enjoyed watching murder mysteries along with unsolved mysteries & detective/medical shows. Starla loved to craft and paint. Fishing held a special place in her heart and fishing on Lake Sakakawea for Walley’s was where she really found her place to recharge. She really loved to fish at Steinke Bay. But it didn’t matter if it was on the shore or in a boat, she found it relaxing to be outside in the beauty of North Dakota to just forget about her cancer battle and concentrate on living.
Above all, her family was most important, and she took pride in caring for them. She was so proud of her four children. Her four grandchildren were her inspiration to continue her fight. She fought so hard but was unable to be with her youngest daughter for the birth of her fifth child due on December 24, 2024.
Starla & I would like to express our gratitude to all family and friends who provided comfort and support for Starla over the years and for the compassionate care provided by Trinity Hospice. We would also like to thank Moayed Ibrahim, MD and his team of Nurses at Trinity Cancer Care. A special “Thank You” also to Matthew S. Block, M.D., Ph.D. and the Oncology Team at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. These professionals went to great lengths to give Starla every day possible. The supervisors and staff at Minot Head Start program went up and beyond by allowing Starla to continue to work when she was able. I thank them for this opportunity allowing Starla to focus on her battle. I would also wish to send my appreciation to Brett Bloemendaal of Bloemendaal Guide Service Guide & Randy Belisle of Ripping Lips Adventures (YouTube) for taking Starla on several fishing trips & arranging one at the last minute only weeks ago. This would be her last fishing trip but brought her so much joy and happiness.
Starla’s loving family includes her husband Roger L. Jr., Surrey. Before meeting Roger, Starla had children, Cody Joe, Samantha Star, Melodie Grace and Lane Paul. Starla’s grandchildren Natalie, Savannah, Ollie, Brandon & (unborn boy), were the joy of her life. Parents Sammy A. & Rita G. Uran, New Town and bother Shannon R. Uran of Tioga. Starla’s God Parents are Art & Clarice Langved. Starla was blessed with a very large and caring family. Her living family members of numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins are too large to list that live in North Dakota and across the US.
Starla was preceded in death by her Son Cody Joe. Grandparents Robert w. & Anabel E. Uran & Roy D. & Grace I. Langved. Uncles Thomas G. & Gary W. Langved.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
A memorial service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, New Town in late Spring 2025, after planting.
Interment: Grand Valley Cemetery, New Town
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Starla Rae Harper, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
