9/5/2025
August 28, 1931 – September 5, 2025
Clara Rapp, age 94, of Leola, PA entered her eternal rest on September 5, 2025. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a faithful servant of Jesus Christ. She was the daughter of the late Irby Leonard and Bertha Rhea Ramsey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two brothers, Glenn and Lynn Ramsey, and two sisters, Irene and Mary Ramsey. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Robert Rapp. Also surviving are her children: Stephen Rapp of Royal Oak, MI; David (Kimberly) Rapp of Algonquin, IL; and Susan (Steve) Hall of Decatur, AL.
Her greatest calling was to her family. Clara lovingly raised her three children with wisdom, grace, and steadfast faith. She was a devoted homemaker, a source of stability and encouragement, and a gentle presence whose influence will extend through generations. She delighted in her growing family. Clara cherished her 13 grandchildren: Lydia Rapp, Joshua Rapp, Caleb Rapp, Christina (Rapp) Meidus, Rachel (Rapp) Doolittle, Peter Rapp, Nathan Rapp, Abigail (Rapp) Brandt, Eric Rapp, Joseph Rapp, Michael Hall, Matthew Hall, and Jeremy Hall. Each of her grandchildren and her 25 great-grandchildren had her prayers, her warmth, and her love. Her eyes would light up when she spoke of family members, but babies brought out the full-on smiles!
Born on August 28, 1931, in Blountville, Tennessee, Clara grew up on her family’s farm, where she learned early the values of hard work, humility, and faith. She was active in Blountville Presbyterian Church as a child and later served faithfully at Belmont Presbyterian Church, where she joyfully worked with youth and shared her musical gifts at the piano.
A 1949 graduate of Blountville High School, Clara attended King College in Bristol, TN before beginning her career as a teacher in the Sullivan County School System. She later worked for several years with Sperry/Univac, earning the respect of her colleagues with her diligence and cheerful spirit.
In 1977, Clara married the love of her life, Robert Samuel Rapp, and they settled in Leola, Pennsylvania. Together they became faithful members of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where Clara quietly but powerfully lived out her faith. She provided strength and support to Bob in his extensive international missionary work and travels, serving as an anchor at home while he served abroad.
Clara will be remembered for her kind smile, her servant’s heart, and her unwavering devotion to Christ and family. Her life was a testimony of Proverbs 31: “Her children rise up and call her blessed… a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” In life, Christian education was an important mission for Clara, and memorial contributions are welcome to the Decatur Heritage Christian Academy, 3802 Spring Ave SW, Decatur, AL 35603. Friends and family are invited to a memorial service at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lancaster, PA to be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Refreshments and time for greeting the family will follow the service.