Harper Pursley, 11

Harper Jay Pursley of Rathdrum, Idaho, passed away on Feb. 1, 2024, at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital in Spokane, Wash. Harper passed in the arms of her parents after a six-year battle with ROHHAD Syndrome (Rapid-Onset Obesity with Hypothalamic Dysfunction, Hypoventilation and Autonomic Dysregulation).

Harper was born in Fort Bragg, N.C., on Jan. 4, 2013, to Chance and Chelsea Pursley. Harper has been a resident of North Idaho since she was 6 weeks old. As a fifth grade student at Betty Kiefer Elementary in the Lakeland School District, Harper was the epitome of what it is to be kind, caring, loving and genuine; she was simply a light to everyone in her presence. She enjoyed watching football with her dad, being around family, baking and caring for her brothers. Though Harper’s life was cut short, her impact on so many people’s lives is truly awe-inspiring.

“She was one of the rare ones, so effortlessly herself and the world loved her for it.”

— Atticus Finch, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations through a GoFundMe Campaign to assist with expenses for Harper’s Celebration of Life, memorial costs and support needed moving forward as they navigate life with their loss: gofund.me/2fb6491e. 

Your generous contributions and support during this difficult time are deeply appreciated and will be a testament to the enduring spirit of Harper Jay Pursley.

    Pursley