Vera June Rapp

1917 - 2012

Vera June Rapp, 94, of Conway, left this earth to be with her Lord on Friday, April 6, 2012, at her residence in Conway.
She was born June 10, 1917, at her parents' (Albert J. and Luvecia [McMurtrey] Babcock) home in Belleview, Mo.
She is preceded in death by a brother, A. J. Babcock of Ironton, Mo.; a sister, Arlene Thompson of Belleview, Mo.; and a sister, Patty Wyse of Avondale Estates, Ga.
She is survived by her husband of 75 years, Edward; her sister, Bettie Coil of Wildwood, Mo.; son Jerry (Judy) of Tomah, Wis.; son Michael (Sharon) of Conway; son, Eric (Irene) of Avoca, Wis.; foster daughter, Debra Shephard of Pocatello, Idaho; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. Three other children of Ed and June died soon after birth.
Although June observed great changes in society – from horse-and-buggy to space travel – her foundation of faith was constant. She loved others and trusted in God. June loved her family dearly, and she enjoyed relating stories of her family from generations back. In one childhood memory, her Grandma McMurtrey put her on their horse, "Old Alice", to take eggs to sell at the store and to buy a spool of thread. Another time, she and her grandmother were leaving the post office for the three-quarter mile walk home, and a neighbor, Walter Farley, was arriving. Mr. Farley said to her grandmother, "Miss Lizzie, if you'll wait a minute, I'll take you home in my automobile." Her grandmother considered the distance and the unreliability of early automobiles, and she said, "No, thank you, Walter. I'm in a hurry."
June began her teaching career at a one-room school in Enough, Mo., where she also served as janitor and tended the fire in the wood-burning stove. Additionally, she taught at Glover School in Iron County and at the elementary school in Pevely, Mo. June's own education began at Cedar Grove School, a one-room school in Belleview Valley, to which she walked across intervening farms. Her parents chose to have June attend eighth grade at Horton School, near Belgrade. June would ride their horse, "John", across the hills from her home to the home of her Aunt "Sis" (Cora), and she would then tie the reins to the saddle and swat her horse's behind, whereupon John would then run back to their farm. Upon John's return, the family would know that June had arrived safely. June credits her Aunt Sis, who was deaf, with instilling in her traits of patience, never complaining, dedication to work, and love for family and neighbors.
June and Edward met in the summer of 1935, when each of them took college classes to complete their teaching certificates at what was then Southeast Missouri State Normal School. They married on Dec. 24, 1936, and raised their three sons on a farm near Pevely, Mo., in a Civil War-era home that was built by Ed's grandfather. Summer income was gained from the sale of strawberries that were raised on the farm. June and Ed were active members of the Lutheran Church in congregations in Missouri, Wisconsin and Arkansas. Her service for her church included a term as president of the Iron Mountain Zone of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. June and Ed enjoyed their independence, and kept their own home until 2008, when they moved from their home in Wisconsin, next door to their son, Jerry, to College Square Apartments in Conway, close to son, Michael. While residents at College Square, they greatly enjoyed new friendships with residents and staff.
As June's health declined, she received attention and support from many dear people. June's family takes this occasion to thank everyone for their many acts of kindness that gave her comfort and helped her stay connected with others. Her death is mourned, and her family takes comfort in the resurrection to eternal life.
A memorial service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church in Conway, at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 11.
The funeral service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, in Pevely, Mo., with burial following in Zion Lutheran Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made in June's honor to Peace Lutheran Church or to a charity of choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Larry G. Acklin Funeral Home, 910 Walnut St., Conway, 327-1124.
Online guest book at www.larrygacklinfuneralhomes.com.