Our Mom gently spread her wings in the early morning hours of March 10, 2017. She was born on October 27, 1921 in Niagara, Wisconsin, to Rudolph and Sophia Rapaich the youngest daughter of seven siblings. After graduation from high school she worked at Kimberly Clark during the war. Later she made “Keds” in Indiana. Upon her return home she met and married our Dad, Matt on August 10, 1947. Upon Dad’s death in 1991 she headed to Phoenix to live with her daughter Patty. She so loved this state for its beauty and warmth of climate and people. Her love of sports, especially her Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, Suns, and Diamondbacks lasted throughout her life. A highlight was her 90th birthday celebration in Las Vegas spent with her “special” friends. Coming from a loving family with strong family values she spent her life nurturing her family to embrace these same qualities. She gave us all guidance and support throughout our lives. We were blessed to have her in our lives. Her spirit lives on in our hearts. She is survived by her daughters, Patty, Melanie Mendini, grand-dog Ellie Rose and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband and infant son George. With age she entered Pennington Gardens in 2014 where she remained until her death. We would like to thank the staff of the Gardens, Hospice of the Valley, Dr. Arcot Premkumar and Dr. Tim Bichler for their love and support. Visitation will be on Thursday, March 16, 2017 from 4:00 -8:00 pm with a Trisagion at 7:00 pm at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road. Burial will be in Wisconsin. Vaya Con Dios.
Lynn Theeck
Walt and I are so sorry for your loss.
Nancy Taylor
It was a joy having Melba as my client in my hair salon in Ahwatukee, & missed her so much when I relocated my salon to Tempe.
I so loved listening to her stories of years passed, & especially her telling me what a wonderful daughter she had in Patty.
Rest peacefully, lovely lady