Denise M. Harper (nee Paul), of Overland, Missouri.
March 23, 1956-September 29, 2025.
Beloved wife of David B. Harper; dear mother of Marty Little (and Molly Eifert), Mandi (and Jeff) Barlage, and Micah Little (and Chris Hoff); loving Grammie of Macie Barlage, Braxton Barlage, Maelie Hoff and baby Hoff (due November 2025) and to granddogs Billy, Queso, Daisy and Whiskey; family friend of Frank Ikemeier; and step-grandmother to Anthony Barlage and Adalyn Barlage.
Denise was predeceased by her parents, the late Phil and Jerry Paul, her brother, the late Gary Paul, and her four-legged babies Bosco, Buster, Beemer, Bentley and granddogs Nike, Boston and Louie.
Denise excelled in sports throughout her life.  A three-sport athlete at Ritenour High School and college, she later returned to more than three decades of teaching physical education at Hoech Middle School in the Ritenour School District.  In addition to teaching, Denise found joy in coaching softball, tennis, basketball and volleyball throughout her career.
Her contributions to her career led to her being recognized as a Diamond Circle Award Winner (i.e., Teacher of the Year) by her peers and Softball Coach of the Year by the Greater St. Louis Area Association of Umpires.  She also pitched a rare no-hitter in slow pitch softball and is in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame for such accomplishment.
Outside of work, Denise was a fan of all St. Louis sports teams and was a partial season ticket holder with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Denise rarely sat still.  After retirement, Denise continued to play softball and traveled throughout the country for tournaments.  In addition to softball, she loved travelling in her RVwith lifelong friends and spending time hosting family meals at her home.  Her involvement with sports and Ritenour didn't stop at retirement and she continued to serve as part of the chain gang for home football games and often attended various sporting events.  But her favorite part of retirement was spending time with her grandkids, who affectionately refer to her as "Grammie."
Denise will be missed by all those who knew her and her lasting impact as a mother, grandmother, teacher and coach will be felt for many generations.
Visitation will be held at Ortmann Funeral Home (9222 Lackland Road, Overland, MO 63114) on Thursday, October 2 from 3pm-7pm with a service to follow at 7pm.  Denise did not like formal wear and enjoyed the fact that she spent her career in sweatpants.  As such, casual attire, sportswear, athletic wear and athleisure clothing are requested by the family should you wish to join them to celebrate her life.