For nearly one hundred years God allowed one of His angels to walk the earth. Her name was Myrtle Hess Rappleye, born 26 November 1920, to James Henry Hess and Alice Tovey. She was led to a great man of integrity, a sailor in the United States Navy, Horace Naylor Rappleye, whom she wed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on 19 March 1943, in the midst of WWII.
Their first daughter Caralyn Rappleye Skousen (Mike) was born while Horace was overseas, stationed at Pearl Harbor. They were separated by the war for nearly three years, writing letters of love, hope, and encouragement to each other. After the war, they moved from California to Utah, and settled in the Canyon Rim area, where they were blessed with three more children: Alan T. Rappleye (Arlene), Nola Rappleye Watson (David), and H. Kent Rappleye (Nancy).
Unfortunately, tragedy struck this beautiful couple, and on 2 November 1973, Horace was killed in a small plane accident. What could have crippled this wonderful woman made her stronger, and for nearly 45 years she has remained a widow, giving strength, encouragement, love, wisdom, and light to her four children, 16 grandchildren, and 47 great-grandchildren. Myrtle was a beacon of love and kindness and was genuinely interested in everyone.
As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in many leadership callings and was always willing to help whenever she was needed. Myrtle was a marvelous cook, and many of her recipes found their way into the food section of the Deseret News. She was especially famous for her hand-dipped chocolates, buttercream mints, and toffee.
A talented seamstress, she sewed many of her children’s clothes, the beautiful drapes that adorned her home, and her two daughters’ wedding dresses. She enjoyed upholstery, quilting, gardening, and reading history. However, most of all, Myrtle loved spending time with her family.
She rarely missed any event involving her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. She could call all of her large family by name and knew their birthdates as well as those of the in-laws. The sun has set on the life of this bright and beautiful woman, but her light will continue to radiate undimmed through the lives of her posterity.
God be thanked for the blessing of knowing such an incredible soul, Myrtle Hess Rappleye. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 6, 2018 at 11:00am at the Rosecrest 1st Ward, 3101 South 2300 East. Friends and family can visit Thursday evening 6:00-8:00pm at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, and at the church 9:30-10:30am prior to the service.
Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
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