Obituary of Roberta Harper Bower

Roberta Harper Bower, 93, of College Park, Florida passed away peacefully on September 23rd at Daisy Hill Pathways in Versailles, KY.

Originally from Ravenna, Ohio, she graduated from Ravenna High School and attended a local business college. She enjoyed working at “Harper’s”, the family-owned men’s clothing store on Main Street. Her father owned Standardbred racehorses and all the local horsemen congregated in his store. Roberta met her future husband Ned there and they married in 1950.

They moved to College Park, Florida to raise their family and for Ned to train trotters at Ben White Raceway. Roberta was an integral part of the success of her husband’s racing stable.

After Ned died in 1993, she moved back to the family home in Ohio to take care of her mother. She enjoyed reconnecting with childhood friends and also made many new friends. She divided her time between Ohio and Florida for 20 years.

She is survived by her son Nathan Bower of College Park, FL, daughter Nancy Bower Bowling (Dan) of Nicholasville, KY, many nieces and nephews including a special niece Barbara Kaminsky (Dave) and her family. And her beloved dog Tillie.

She was preceded in death by her parents Edna May and Robert J Harper and her sister Dorothy Parnaby.

Quick-witted, elegant and generous, Roberta brought joy to everyone that was lucky enough to be in her presence. She never lost her love of life, her vivacious smile and her great sense of humor.

In lieu of a funeral service, the family will host a celebration of life in College Park at a later date. Burial will be in the spring at Maple Grove Cemetery in Ravenna, Ohio.

Roberta loved all animals, especially the family dogs. Donations can be made to the animal charity of your choice.