Obituary of Elizabeth A. Rapke
Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Rapke, age 90, passed into the arms of the Lord on May 30, 2022
Betty was born in Oriskany on June 25, 1931, in the home of her maternal grandparents, Francis and Alice (Shorey) Myers; a daughter of the late Clarence and Catherine (Myers) Hunziker. On September 8, 1951, she married Robert “Bob” Gerald Rapke in St. Mary’s Church, Rome; he passed away on October 6, 2018. She graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1949, and worked for a number of years at the Air Force Research Laboratory, formerly Rome Laboratory, on Griffiss Air Force Base until her retirement in 1992.
Betty is survived by her dear sister, Doris Baldigo; daughters, Gail (Howard) Marsh, Judy (Randall) Bonham, Dawn Rapke, and Roberta (Clarence Jr.) Burk; sons, Gregory Heintz, and William Rapke; cherished grandchildren, Matthew (Tai Wilson) Marsh, Heather (Owen) Waller, Erin Bonham, Meaghan (Justin) Morrison, Laura (Douglas) Pearson, Eric Burk, and Mark Bonham; 14 wonderful great grandchildren; and several dear nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Carol Hendrickson; and her brother, Howard Hunziker.
The family would like to give a special thanks to her home care nurse, Ashley Vanderwerken, and also the 6th floor staff of Bethany Gardens for the wonderful care and attention they have all gave to our mother.
Everyone is invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, June 7, at 11 AM, at St. Peter’s Church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery on Friday, June 10, at 11:30 AM.
There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Betty’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Hospital.