Nancy E. Rapert

Nancy Elizabeth Rapert of St. Peters, MO, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2023 at 85 years old. She was born on January 13, 1938 in Maynard, AR to Aaron McKinley and Ruth Crismon Brooks. She is preceded in death by her husband Jack R. Rapert, her parents, and 2 siblings-James Lee "Jimmie" Brooks and Bonnie Gay "Micky" Burnam.

She leaves behind her children-Jennifer "Ginger" Foust and husband John Foust of Lake Park, GA and Jeffrey Clay Rapert and wife Maurine Rapert of St. Peters, MO. She was the proud grandma to Abby Foust Hamm and husband Tommy Hamm of Lake Park, GA; Matthew Foust and wife Alyssa of Blair, NE; Bradley Rapert of Lake St. Louis, MO; Drew Rapert of Maplewood, MO; and Adam Rapert of Jefferson City, MO. She was the great-grandmother to Brooks and Ace Hamm. Her large family also includes 32 nieces and nephews.

Nancy grew up on a small farm in rural Arkansas. She graduated from Maynard High School where she lettered on the school's basketball team. After graduation, she moved to Moberly, MO where she lived with her sister and her husband while attending beauty school, and she received a license in cosmetology. She married her sweetheart, Jack Rapert, on January 11, 1956 and moved to St. Charles, MO where she opened an in-home beauty salon that she operated for 41 years. Considering all her clients friends, she carried many of them with her from the opening until she retired and moved to St. Peters in 1996. The "beauty shop ladies" not only kept in touch but met monthly for luncheons the next 23 years.

Nancy was known for her ability to make friends everywhere she went. Described as "my favorite" by many, she was also revered by all for being so fun to be around. Nancy was hard-working, helpful, independent, and strong. Her tireless work ethic could not go unnoticed. She kept an immaculate home, made delicious home-cooked meals for her family, and was charitable and always willing to lend a helping hand. She served as a deaconess and an active member at St. Charles Christian Church and a Girl Scout Troop Leader. After moving to St. Peters, Nancy and Jack joined Grace United Church of Christ. Their volunteer services at church included the collection of food for the local food bank. She also became active in the church sewing club. She served as a steadfast caregiver to her husband in later years. Her servant's heart was appreciated by her family as they always knew that she would come to their aid in times of need. Whether it be babysitting or taking care of someone when they were sick, Nancy always answered to the call.

She loved bargain shopping, doing the daily crossword puzzle, playing bunko and playing bingo. In fact, it became a rite of passage for her grandchildren that when they turned 16 they would finally get to go to bingo with their grandma.

Nancy was an accomplished seamstress and quilter. She worked tirelessly, sometimes hours a day, to make sure that she was leaving a legacy with her beautiful quilts, making enough in her lifetime so that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would know and remember who she was through her art. Each loving stitch will remind them all of her love and sacrifice each time they stay warm underneath them.

Nancy was a loyal wife, sister, mother, grandma, and great grandma whose mark on the world is evident. She will be greatly missed by many. May she rest in peace.