Edith Mae Rapson

Edith Mae Peters Rapson was born on August 11, 1932, in Gratiot County, Michigan to Alpha and Susie Peters. Edith went home to be with Jesus on December 12, 2020, at the Masonic Home in Alma, Michigan, reaching the age of 88 years. Mom grew up during a tumultuous era in a household of six children. This affected her life in many ways. She received her formal education through the eighth grade at Smith Allen School, which was a one-room schoolhouse in Gratiot County. She had many responsibilities as a young girl, taking care of her sickly mother and later working outside the home. This was a preface of her life of service, as she continued to care for many different people throughout her life. On August 9, 1957, she was married to Ernest Clayton Rapson, known always as Clayton. Their marriage lasted almost forty years until Dad passed away in 1997. Their home was blessed with four children. As a family, we would take trips to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan every summer. Mom made these trips special and we treasure these fond memories. Mom’s life went through changes when Dad had a disabling accident. She committed herself to caring for him, working to provide for the family along with caring for us children. This speaks of her incredible work ethic and giving spirit. After Dad was gone, she left Michigan for Ohio, and lived five years in Homeworth with her daughter Sue and family. Upon returning to Michigan, her age started to catch up with her when she experienced a stroke and vision loss. Because of this, she then moved to Maple View Assisted Living and then on to the Masonic Home where she received the best of care. She will be remembered for her contagious laugh, delicious cooking, and her love of nature. Her Bible was dear to her and she found much comfort and inspiration from the Psalms. We are comforted to know that Mom is now in a place where there is no more pain and is once again reunited with Dad. Her vision of Jesus and the peaceful way she left us is our hope of seeing her again someday. Those left to cherish precious memories are four children: Susan (Paul) Wallace, Hardin, Montana; Jon (Gail) Rapson, Ithaca, Michigan; Louise Castillo, Ithaca, Michigan; David (Carolee) Rapson, Hawkeye, Indiana; ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, parents-in-law, five siblings and one son-in-law. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at 10:30 A.M. at the Newark Mennonite Church with Ministers Michael Litwiller, Darin Litwiller and Keith Litwiller officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the church. Burial will take place at the Hayes Road Cemetery.