Arna Lucille Lewis Roper Harding

Arna Lucille Lewis Roper Harding—a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister—passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on June 1, 2025.

Born April 22, 1928, in Kamas, Utah, Arna was the second daughter of Curt and Lucille Lewis, and sister of Hope and Glenna Gay. Arna loved growing up in Kamas, attending high school there, going to dances, riding horses, and going up “the canyon” for rides and picnics. She was a drum majorette and played trumpet in the high school band. She always had many friends and was friendly to everyone she met. She truly loved people.

In 1947 Arna was an attendant to the Days of ’47 Queen in Summit County. That fall, she moved to SLC to attend LDS Business College, graduating in 1949 with a stenographic degree. She married Morris Roper in 1950. They were blessed with three children, Kevin, Clark, and Cheri, all of whom she loved dearly. She was happiest when surrounded by family. After visits, she would ask people to come again very soon. Whenever grandchildren moved, she would declare, “How can you let them move away?” Arna was selfless and very giving as a mother, grandmother, and friend. She relished hosting dinners or parties. She also enjoyed planting beautiful flowers and spending time in her backyard, especially sitting outside in the evenings.

Arna worked as a secretary until her oldest son was born. Later she worked for Bookcraft Publishing for 36 years as a secretary and accounts receivable clerk. She really enjoyed working at Bookcraft and found a supportive work family there.

After Morrie passed away in 1987, Arna married Max Harding in 1988. Together they served a Latter-day Saint mission in the Ohio Columbus Mission (1992-93), she served a service mission as a hostess at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building (1997-2000), and they later served a Church-service mission driving a van from the airport to Temple Square, offering visitors a brief tour. They thoroughly enjoyed traveling with family and friends throughout the U.S. and Europe and camping in Max’s trailer. One of Arna’s highlights was the annual Lewis Family Reunion, especially camping together up Mirror Lake Highway or in Kamas.

Arna was preceded in death by her husband, Morris Leroy Roper, and her second husband, Max Eugene Harding; her sister Hope Nora Horton; her grandson, Trace Roper; and her parents, Curt and Lucille Lewis. She is survived by her sister, Glenna Gay (Robert) Coombs; son Kevin (Cindy) Roper, son Clark (Lisa) Roper, and daughter Cheri Roper Hyde; eleven grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Friday, June 6, 11:00 am, at the Wilford Stake Center, 1765 E 3080 S, Millcreek, Utah. (For Zoom information, contact family.) A visitation will be held Thursday, June 5, 6:00-8:00 pm at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 S 2300 E, Millcreek, Utah, and Friday, June 6, 9:30-10:45 at the stake center.

Special thanks to Symbii Hospice for their loving care and support.

To stream services please visit https://zoom.us/j/99343241446?pwd=b0NueEJNR0JtWVFvUHRqazYxZmk1Zz09