Kara Harter

(From Berna Funeral Home)

Kara Lynn Harter, age 41, of Fayetteville, AR, entered into her heavenly home Saturday, January 28, 2023. Kara was born June 21, 1981, in Springfield, MO, the daughter of John and Linda (Westra) Lauderdale.

She graduated from Monett High School in 1999, and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing in 2005 from Missouri Southern State University. 

Kara worked at Freeman Health Systems in Joplin, Mo where she was assistant director of CVOR at Freeman Heart Institute until 2019, when she moved to Fayetteville, AR. Kara worked at CVOR at Northwest Medical Center in Springdale, AR, until November of 2022. Kara loved nursing and had a great compassion for her patients and their families. She always had a smile on her face and positive thoughts even on hectic days.

Kara is survived by her three beautiful children; Elliana, Benjamin, and Annalise of the home; her parents, John and Linda Lauderdale both of Monett, MO; and her brother, Eric (Alison Casper) Lauderdale and children Evan, Emerson, Salem and Maisie of Cranberry Township, PA and Maggie Lauderdale of Philadelphia, PA; a former spouse and the father of her children Chris Harter.

Kara was a private person and a very loyal and devoted friend. She was selfless and delighted in bringing joy to others. Kara loved her children dearly and was so proud of them. She encouraged them to set high goals and not to fear rejection. 

Kara loved to travel and especially enjoyed family vacations in Colorado and Florida, and trips with friends to Oregon and California. She found much tranquility hiking in the mountains or soaking up sunshine on warm, sandy beaches. Kara also loved her dog, Raven, a protective English Mastiff.

Kara had a great faith and trust in God, which sustained her in her cancer battle. She had a passion for the homeless and those with food insecurities. She donated food frequently to the Little Free Pantry, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church near her home.

Kara wished to be cremated and a private memorial service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Circle of Life Hospice, Springdale, AR or Watered Gardens Ministries of Joplin, MO.