Monday, June 27, 2022

Mary Raper


(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Mary Beatrice Raper, age 71, of Lamar, Missouri passed away June 23, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

Mary was born October 4, 1950 in Graff, Missouri to David Benjamin Ratterree and Mable Marie (Hutsell) Ratterree. Mary graduated from Mountain Grove High School in the class of 1968. On July 20, 1968 Mary married Anthony (Jim) Raper at Hopewell Baptist Church in Bendavis, Missouri.








Mary was a devout believer and found comfort in her Christian faith. She loved spending time with family, as a dedicated wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. 

In her retirement years, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her great joy. She especially looked forward to yearly family reunions in Mountain Grove, MO., where she would spend time catching up with her beloved family. Between family visits she enjoyed the company of her dogs Rocky and Max. And she never passed up the opportunity to visit flea markets, shopping with her daughter Kristy. 








Mary especially enjoyed being outside around water. There were canoeing adventures with her son BJ and husband Jim. And, at one time even had a pool built in her backyard, not for her to swim, but to enjoy basking in the sun. Friends and family were warned, don't dare splash Mary with water.

Mary worked for many years at O'Sullivan Industries in Lamar until her retirement. She worked in the packing department. Both Mary and her late husband Jim enjoyed the car scene, and they founded and ran the MO West Street Machine Car Show, which ultimately was the beginning of the hot rod shows that are now part of the Lamar Fair.

Survivors include one daughter, Kristy (Terry) Kinney of Lamar; four grandchildren, Brian (Kimberly) Raper of Coffeyville, Kansas, Kelly Coy of Lamar, David (Angel) Murphy of Springfield, Missouri and Jazmin Murphy of Lamar; bonus grand-blessings, Frankie (Brandon) Murphy of Lamar, Alishia Chapman of Maryland, Tearria Kinney of New York; four great-grandchildren, Andrew, Shawn, Willa and Jaelyn; one brother, Benny (Tammy) Ratterree of Cassville, Missouri; two sisters, Marie (Elmer) Ault of Millbrook, Alabama and Diana (Gary) Harrison of Mountain Grove, MO., along with many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; one son, William Jack (B.J.) Raper and two brothers, Jimmy Ratterree and Kenny Ratterree.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Contributions are suggested and made payable to The Way Church in care of Daniel Funeral Home. Mary's nephew Evan Harrison started this Church and she was so proud of him.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com

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