Betty J. Rapp

Betty was born on December 31, 1920 to George Herbert and Dorothy Taylor, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After moving to Peoria, she met the love of her life and future husband, Emerson Rapp while they were both attending Peoria Central High School. After Emerson’s return from serving in WWII, they were married on February 16, 1946. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Throughout her life, Betty was an active community volunteer. She served for 40 years on the Proctor Community Hospital Service League, where she was a Past President. She was an active member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter FB where she served in many officer positions, including President. She was a member of The First Federated Church Mothers Club, having served as President, The Peoria Women’s Club North Peoria Women’s Club and the Millikin University Parent’s Council. She served as an Ordained Deacon at the Arcadia Avenue Presbyterian Church, their Sarah Circle, and sang in the choir for over 35 years. Most recently she served as an Ordained Deacon at The First Federated Church.

Betty was a very talented seamstress and pianist. She loved to golf and travel. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Betty is survived by her three children, Vicki (Michael) Drake of Dunlap, Donna (Ted) Bantis of Dunlap, and Emerson Jr. (Sandy) Rapp of Peoria. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Alissa (Kelly) White of Eureka, MO., Muffy (Sean) Cline, of Naperville, IL, Ashley (Steve) Wooden of Naperville, IL, D’Arcy (Eric) Haeuser of Lenexa, KS., Emerson III (Fiance’ Briana) Rapp of Kansas, MO.

Betty was also blessed with twelve great grandchildren, Macy White, Quincy White, Chloe Clince, Leah Haeuser, Will Wooden, Spencer Clince, Ben Haeuser, Jonah Wooden, Lily Haeuser, Elli Haeuser, and Louisa Haeuser.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home for taking such great care of our mother.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 15 at The First Federate Church from 4 – 7 PM.

The celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, August 16, at The First Federated Church at 11 AM, with interment at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria. Officiating will be the Rev. Dr. Forrest L. Krummel, Jr. assisted by Rev. Ryan Bradney.

Memorial contributions may be made to either The First Federated Church, or the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.Woolsey-Wilton.com