Aileen Lee Raptis

Aileen Lee Raptis, 88, of Cambridge, Ohio passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 24, 2016 following a lengthy illness. She was born October 21, 1927 in Byesville, Ohio and was the daughter of the late Thelma and Ralph Jerles of Byesville. She was a graduate of Byesville High School. She married Richard “Dick” Raptis on December 7, 1949. She was a homemaker most of her life raising 9 children. She worked for short time at Salt Fork State Park Lodge in her later years. Her greatest joy in life was her family. She loved being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was known as a great cook and baker. She volunteered at school events and along with her husband, Dick, was very instrumental in building and supporting the 250 Booster Club in 70’s and early 80’s that raised money for youth and high school sports in Cambridge. She was a sports fan of all types; golf, tennis, football and baseball. She loved watching her 6 boys play football and wrestle. She also loved her Ohio State Buckeyes. She unfortunately was stricken with Alzheimer’s and remained in her home until she needed further care. It was then that she moved into her son’s, Willard Raptis, home across the street and the family cared for her around the clock. She is survived by her sons, Richard “Dick”JR. and wife Nancy Raptis, Willard, and Robert all of Cambridge; 3 daughters, Cathy (Raptis) Ferrari and husband Craig Ferrari of Cambridge, Deborah Raptis of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Connie (Raptis) Arnold of Kansas City, Missouri. One devoted sister who visited her daily; Deanna (Jerles) Talbert of Cambridge, and 3 sister in-laws; Ramona (Raptis) St. Clair of Cambridge, Mary Jane Jerles of Senecaville, Patti Jerles of Byesville, 15 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren with one more on the way. We must also mention that Aileen was a mother to many of her children’s friends and made them feel welcome at her home anytime. She is proceeded in death by her parents, Thelma and Ralph Jerles of Byesville, her husband Richard Raptis SR. “Dick” , three sons; Daniel (2003), Larry (2015) and Tony (2015), her brothers; Stanley Jerles, Earl Jerles, Wilbur Jerles and most recently Clem Jerles, one nephew; David Talbert. Aileen always exhibited a feeling of warmth and kindness to all. She was a loving, caring woman. Often people would say to her children “God threw away the mold when he made your mother, she is one of kind”. Despite her illness she always had a smile for anyone that entered the room and at times she look into your eyes, pat you hand and then give it gentle squeeze. Revelation 21:4 ;”He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” The family has peace knowing that in heaven she is free from the walls that imprisoned her mind through her Alzheimer’s illness. Those precious memories of her wonderful life have been restored and she is now with her loved ones especially of her love of her life, Richard “Dick” and 3 or her sons. Visitation will be held at Bundy –Law Funeral Home, Cambridge, Ohio on April 16, 2016 from 11-1 with services directed by Pastor Jeff Eschbaugh following visitation. Burial will be held at Northwood Cemetery. There will be “ A Celebration of Life Reception” for family and friends directly following burial services at the home of Willard Raptis, 67700 Lofland Rd. Cambridge, Ohio, also known as Raptis Addition.

Aileen Lee Raptis

October 21, 1927 - March 24, 2016