Teresa Elaine (Dunshie) Harper

Teresa Elaine (Dunshie) Harper, 64, of Topeka, passed away Monday, March 31, 2025, at Stormont-Vail Hospital. She was born on March 14, 1961, in Wellsville, New York, the daughter of Fredrick Lee and Eleanor Marie Lunn Dunshie. Teresa and her family moved to Marion, North Carolina, where she attended Pleasant Gardens Elementary School. The family then moved to Concordia, Kansas, where she was a 1979 graduate of Concordia, KS High School. She attended Cloud County Community College, earning an associate degree in business. She also attended the Academy of Hair Design in Salina, KS.   Teresa started her working career as a Veterinary Technician, where she then welcomed the opportunity to work for Mark Morris & Associates at Theracon, Inc. in 1988. After Theracon  was purchased by Hill’s in 1991, she continued to work for Hill’s for the next 34 years. She always mentioned that she was fortunate to have worked with the “Best” in the business. Teresa loved a spirited political debate, rooting on KU, Chiefs, and Washburn Softball. She was a bright light and loved by many. Her glass was truly always half full. She enjoyed warm sunny days, ice cold beer, joyful conversations and trips with friends. But most of all, she enjoyed her beloved granddaughter, Harper. 

Teresa married Eric J. Harper on January 29, 1992, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He survives at the home. She is also survived by her mother, Eleanor M. Dunshie of Concordia, KS; a daughter, Erica (Zack) Robertson of Topeka, KS; one brother, Timothy (Melinda) Dunshie of Salina, KS; two sisters, Colleen Christenson, of Concordia, KS and Deanna (Jim) Conn, of Concordia, KS; and a granddaughter, Harper June Robertson, along with many nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her father and a brother, Freddy Lee Dunshie.

  A Celebration of Life is planned for 11:00 a.m., Friday April 11, 2025, at the Silo Event Center in Meriden, KS. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the Service and a CELEBRATION to follow. Cremation Care is planned, and Inurnment will be at the Meriden Cemetery at a later date.

 Memorial Donations suggested to VFW Auxiliary Post #10815 of which Teresa was a member. Barnett Family Funeral Home, Oskaloosa, KS, is assisting the family.  barnettfamilyfh.com