Harper Blake

Harper Blake

Harper Blake, beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and cousin, passed away Jan. 28, 2022, at the age of 11, while surrounded by her family at home in Fargo.

The first time her parents laid eyes on Harper, they knew she was the most beautiful thing they'd ever seen and didn't want to let her go. Luckily for them, she loved snuggling with her family just as much. She always held onto her mom's hand from the day she was born to the moment she took her last breath. Her two sisters loved her endlessly and were always by her side, ready to help. They loved seeing her smile. No matter what she was dealing with, she always had a smile that lit up a room; her eyes sparkled with joy and a laugh that made Mendi and Jaden melt every time they heard it. Jaden particularly had a knack for getting her to smile whenever she saw him.

Harper was a farm kid at heart- she truly loved being outdoors. Bike rides with dad, walks with mom, swinging at the park were among her favorite things to do. She loved the simple pleasures of nature - the feel of grass in her hands, the way she could move through the water in their swimming pool, and riding the horses back on her grandpa's farm in Finley.

She loved music - particularly from stuffed animal Violet, her beloved Tiger, her blanket, school, and her family above all (including her best buddy, the late great Henry the bulldog). She had some superpowers that were all her own, though. She was the rare child who loved to eat her vegetables. She may have needed the vitamins to fuel her very mischievous sense of humor. Harper thought it was hilarious when she witnessed naughtiness, be it in her dogs or other kids. Even at school, she would laugh and laugh when someone was misbehaving. Rivaling Houdini, her greatest trick on everyone was getting herself sent home from school "sick" but could never contain her delight in pulling one over on everyone as soon as she got in the car to go home. Her wicked giggling could get anyone laughing in disbelief every time (keeping herself out of trouble was maybe her second-best trick).

Harper inspired everyone around her with her strength, her courage, and her constant smile in the face of adversity. She was unfairly challenged in her life but never knew anything but love. We know she is finally running around, swimming, and still laughing.

Harper is survived by her parents Mendi and Jaden Blake; sisters Hadley and Harlow Blake; grandparents Carolyn and Patrick Blake; grandmother Barbara Dekker; aunts Kari Dekker, Nikki Dekker, Jeana (Jeremy) Cost, Ali (Aaron) Jones; and cousins Joe Dekker, Elsie and Owen Cost, and Shepherd and Porter Jones.

She was preceded in death by grandfather Joseph Dekker.

The Blakes are deeply involved in Harper's Rett Syndrome community - if you'd like to make a donation in Harper's honor, please visit one of these organizations who played such important parts in Harper's life:

International Rett Syndrome Foundation

Make-A-Wish North Dakota

Hope, Inc.

Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4 at St. Anthony's.

Visitation will be held Thursday at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m.

Prayer service will be held 7 p.m. Thursday at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.hansonrunsvold.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home – Fargo