Marilyn Marie Noper Harding

Marilyn Marie Noper Harding Marilyn Marie Noper Harding, 86, of Lynchburg, died Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, at home. Born April 29, 1923, in Thief River Falls, Minn., she was a daughter of V.C. and Ruby Moore Noper. She was also preceded by death by her husband of 62 years, Bruce Byron Harding, a brother, Randall Noper, and a sister, Dorothy McEnelly. Marilyn graduated in 1945 with a B.S. degree in home economics from the University of Minnesota. While in college, she was a member of Clovia Sorority and was an active member of the Wesley Foundation. She taught school for one year in Kenyon, Minn. Marilyn was a lifelong Methodist and an active member of Chestnut Hill United Methodist and Timberlake United Methodist Church. She was an exceptional seamstress and as a high school student won the Minnesota state 4-H blue ribbon for sewing three out of four years and was the national champion her senior year. Marilyn loved music. She played in the band in both high school and college. She sang in church and community groups wherever she lived. While in Lynchburg, she sang with the Lynchburg College Choral Union and the Jefferson Society. Marilyn and Bruce enjoyed square dancing, camping, golfing, playing bridge, traveling, taking cruises and attending their grandchildren's activities and performances together. They worked in Virginia and Florida as volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. A backyard garden was a part of every summer and canning and freezing homegrown vegetables was the reward. She knit many scarves, hats and mittens for good causes. Surviving are three daughters, Estelle Elder of Forest, Gail Harding of Patrick Springs and Linda Harding of Lynchburg; five grandchildren, Kevin Elder and his wife, Heidi, of Forest, Mark Elder of Galveston, Texas, and Jessica, Joel and Joshua Graham, all of Lynchburg; and one great-grandson, Isaac Elder of Forest. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today, Nov. 20, 2009, at Tharp Funeral Home in Lynchburg and at other times at her home. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at Timberlake United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Rob Colwell, the Rev. Dr. Tom Bryant and the Rev. Dr. Kirk Mariner officiating. Internment will follow in Fort Hill Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Timberlake United Methodist Church for Music Ministry, 21649 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502; Gleaning for the World, P.O. Box 645, Concord VA 24538; or Central Virginia Medical Mission Team, 4434 Boonsboro Road, Lynchburg ,VA 24503. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tharp funeralhome.com.