Babe Rapp

(From Parker Mortuary)

Babe H. Rapp, age 87, Joplin, passed away peacefully Thursday evening, September 3, 2015 at a local nursing center.

Babe was born November 6, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois to the late August Stratman and Pearl E. Krieger Stratman. Babe lived in Joplin since 1951.

She worked as a long-lines operator and commercial artist for Illinois Bell Telephone for five years in Chicago.

She married Robert C. 'Bob' Rapp on February 5, 1949 in Chicago, Illinois. He preceded her in death on December 7, 2004. She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Greg Smith.

Survivors include two sons, Barry Rapp and his wife, Teresa, Fleming Island, Florida, Brady Rapp and wife, Lonnie, Midlothian, Texas; a daughter, Barbara Smith, Joplin; brother-in-law, Don Gepford, San Diego, California; grandchildren, Corrina Biemiller and husband, John, Preston Rapp and wife, Heather, Lauren Smith, Alicia Thames and husband, Adam, Lindsey McIlvena and husband, Dave, Austyn Rapp, Colton Rapp and four great grandchildren, Steve Biemiller, Vanessa Biemiller, Sagan Rapp and Rivers Rapp.

After arriving in Joplin, she worked as an assistant manager at the former Miss Ann's for ten years. Babe was a member of the Jaycettes Chapter #2372; AARP and First Presbyterian Church. Babe loved playing gin rummy and backgammon. Playing along with Jeopardy on TV was a daily affair. Babe was a loyal KC Chiefs fan and always sported her Chiefs sweatshirt on game day. She was a fabulous cook; no recipes were necessary for her culinary delights. Babe loved entertaining and hosting dinner parties. She always cooked for an army; while her children were growing up all of their friends were welcome to join the family for dinner, especially on Sundays. Babe was very loved by her family and many friends who enjoyed her feisty personality.

Memorial services are planned for Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church. Pastor Dave Burgess will officiate. The family will receive friends following the services in John Knox Hall. Lunch will be served following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, in care of Parker Mortuary.