Ruthi Rapp

Our beloved Ruthi Rapp left us on June 20th, 2024, after a sudden illness.  Memorial services will be held at Woodlawn Elementary School at 10:30am on Friday, June 28th, 2024.

Ruth Ann Clark was born on July 4, 1945, to Ben and Ruth (Dowell) Clark and was raised in Prairie Village, KS.  She graduated with a degree in education from the University of Kansas.  Most of Ruthi’s teaching career was in 8th grade English and History at South Junior High in Lawrence, KS. Before retiring, she became the Social Studies Coordinator for Lawrence Public Schools.  In her “retirement,” Ruthi worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and as a para at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School and Deerfield Elementary School.  In the last few years, Ruthi tutored students at the Boys and Girls Club teen center.

On a unique blind date of roller skating in 1976, Ruthi found her person in Patrick Rapp.  They married just three months later and celebrated 48 years of marriage on April 10th.  Their son Darren was adopted in 1980, giving daughter Elizabeth a sibling.

While working full time and raising two children, Ruthi earned her Master’s degree in Education from the University of Kansas.

In addition to her husband Pat, Ruthi is survived by her brother Milt, daughter Elizabeth, bonus daughter April, step children Michael and Cameron, eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  Ruthi was preceded in death by her parents and son Darren Andrew Rapp.

Along with her passion for education, Ruthi supported Lawrence, KS through service on committees like Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the St. Patrick’s Day Committee, Kids Voting and summer enrichment for Boys and Girls Club.  Her sole hobby was supporting others.  Ruthi could be seen at nearly every game, camp send-off, music program and celebration.  She was a champion for the activities and studies of her grandchildren in Lawrence and countless people succeeded through her love and guidance.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Lawrence Humane Society, 1805 E. 19th Street, Lawrence, KS  66046 or Douglas County CASA, 725 N. 2nd Street, Lawrence, KS  66044.

A celebration of life in Ruthi’s honor will be held at Rappaho Vineyard at 5:00pm on Saturday, June 29, 2024, in Vinland, KS.