Edna Rappleyea

Richmondville - Edna Eldeen Rappleyea of West Richmondville, the daughter of Manley Murray and Gertrude (Brooks) Murray passed away after a lengthy illness on October 14, 2017 at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland, NY.

Edna Eldeen Rappleyea, "Deenie" was born on January 17, 1933 on Ferris Hill, Murray Road near Grand Gorge, NY in the Town of Roxbury. She was named after a dear family friend and neighbor Edna Eldeen Barber. Deenie grew up on the small family farm on Ferris Hill and attended Grand Gorge Central School graduating in 1950. She married her high school sweetheart Jerald C Rappleyea on March 18,1951.

After high school Deenie worked for the NY Telephone Co. and also as a waitress at the Grand Gorge Diner. After getting married Deenie spent her time raising 4 sons near Richmondville NY and for a few years also while living in Stamford, NY. Over the years she volunteered at the Cobleskill Regional Hospital and worked at Montgomery Wards and JC Penney Catalog stores in Cobleskill, NY.

She was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church in Richmondville, NY. She was formerly a Sunday School teacher and member of the Church choir.

Deenie enjoyed growing flowers very much, especially her daffodils. She had the ability to see the beauty of a single flower in a field of weeds. She also enjoyed bird watching, especially her Cardinals. She loved to play the piano and organ and loved to sing. For many years she and her husband Jerry planned many large family get-togethers and looked forward to having the immediate family and many times the extended family at her home. She spent many winters in New Smyrna Beach, Fl. with her husband and later by herself. She enjoyed many camping trips and travelling.

She was married to Jerry for over 59 years when he passed away on May 6, 2010. Along with her parents she was predeceased by her sisters Catherine (Murray) Thorington and Ruth (Murray) Haight.

Deenie is survived by her 4 sons and their families, Glenn C. (Cathy) Rappleyea of Hobart, Jerald W. (Carolyn) Rappleyea of Grand Gorge, Brian J. (Donna) Rappleyea of Broadalbin, and Jeffrey (Christine) Rappleyea of West Richmondville; Grandchildren Lisa (Daryl) Birdsall, Elisabeth Rappleyea, Jerald (Kelli) Rappleyea, Joanna Rappleyea, Jonathan Rappleyea (Desiree Abare), Lindsay (James) Jones, Justine Rappleyea, Dani Rappleyea and great grandchildren Tyler Birdsall, Chase Birdsall and Grayson Jones.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 20, 2017, at the Richmondville United Methodist Church, Main Street, Richmondville, with the Rev. Jeff Smith officiating. There will be no calling hours.

Burial will be private in Fairview Cemetery, Grand Gorge.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Richmondville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 8, Richmondville, NY 12149 or the Richmondville Historical Society PO Box 316, Richmondville, NY 12149.

Cemetery Details