Trending
CHAMPION TOWNSHIP -- Ruth Helen Vesey Rappach Graves, 98, of Champion and formerly of McKinley Heights, passed away peacefully at home Sunday, May 31, 2026, with her loving family by her side.
Ruth was born Jan. 2, 1928, in Warren, one of 10 children of the late Ward and Marian Stroud Vesey. She worked at GE Trumbull Lamp for 34 years before retiring in 1990. Ruth was an active member of Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Youngstown. She enjoyed working bingo at the church, all sports, gardening, crocheting, and dancing. She was an expert at putting difficult puzzles together.
Ruth was the beloved wife of the late Michael Rappach, whom she married Sept. 25, 1948, and who passed away in October of 1971; and Donald Graves, whom she married July 21, 1973, and who passed away Dec. 29, 2007; the loving mother of Ronald Rappach (the late Norma) and Michael Rappach (Joanne); the cherished grandma of eight and great-grandma and great-great-grandma of many; the dear sister of Ken Vesey, Thomas Dean Vesey (Liz), Louise Green and Marilyn Vesey, with whom she made her home; and the aunt of many nieces and nephews. She also leaves a host of dear friends.
Besides her parents and husbands, Ruth was preceded in death by five siblings, Frank Vesey, Jerry Vesey, Eleanor Weiss, Dorothy Vesey and Janet McChan; one granddaughter; and one step-granddaughter.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1025 N. Belle Vista Ave., Youngstown, OH 44509. All are asked to gather at SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery Chapel, Osborne Avenue, Youngstown, where funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, June 5, 2026.
Burial will take place next to her husband, Michael, in SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery.
Arrangements were by Ferfolia Funeral Home, www.ferfoliafuneralhomes.com.
(special notice)