Marian E. Rapke, age 94, of Rome, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026, with her family by her side.

Marian was born in Rome, on November 9, 1931, to the late John and Mildred Cook Edwards, and graduated from RFA in 1949. On August 9, 1952, she was united in marriage to Walter O. Rapke, and they shared 71 years of marriage until his passing on July 2, 2023. Marian began her career working for Revere Copper and Brass as a teletype operator and then stayed home to care and raise her family.

Marian was a wonderful cook and baker, best known for her delicious chocolate chip cookies, which were enjoyed by her family and friends. She was a devoted provider who took great pride in caring for her family and creating a loving home. Family was at the heart of Marian's life. She was a devoted supporter and enthusiastic cheerleader for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, always encouraging them in whatever activities, interests, and sports they chose to pursue. Whether sitting on the sidelines or simply offering her love and encouragement, Marian was always there to celebrate their accomplishments and let them know how proud she was.

She was known for her great optimism regardless of whatever bumps in the road lay ahead of her personally or in the paths of relatives or friends. She was a calm presence during those challenges, and her advice and guidance was sought out and gratefully accepted by those to whom it was given. Her love, support, and devotion to her family will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

She loved her home on Mullen Hill in the Town of Western, which she and husband Walt built and resided in for 70 years. For the last year and a half, she had resided at Terrace at Woodland where she made treasured friends with her dinner mates as well as the staff.

Marian is survived by her children, David and Barbara Rapke, Pam and Randy Hubbard, and Linda and Randy Bowers; her grandchildren, Sarah and Matt Eldfeldt, Caitlin and Chuck Cerny, Lindsay Rapke, Taylor Rapke and Matt Leggett, Jillian and Daryl Finn, Jenna Hubbard, Danielle and Shawn Finster, and Josh and Morgan Bowers; great grandchildren, Brynn and Nate Eldfeldt, Allison, Hannah, Mallory, Luke and Jacob Cerny, Grace and Connor Finn, Bryce and Ayden Waters, Camryn and Jackson Finster and Hailey Bowers; many nieces and nephews and her sister in law, Claire Edwards. She was predeceased by her siblings, Ray, Ada, and Marlow.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Thursday, September 10, from 11 AM to 1 PM, at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Rome. A service will be held at 1 PM at the funeral home, and then her remains will be laid to rest by her beloved husband at Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Westernville Volunteer Fire Department or the Westernville Library.

Please offer online condolences at: www.barryfuneralhome.com.