Elaine Alice Rappley

Elaine Rappley, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the age of 83. The daughter of the late Henry Gross and Alice Shark, Elaine was born on April 15, 1942 in Saginaw, Michigan. Elaine graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1959, and married William Rappley in 1960. He predeceased her on November 6, 2007.

Elaine spent much of her time doing what she loved: gardening. Through the Master Gardener program, she created beautiful lifelong friendships with gardeners throughout the area. She and Bill enjoyed hosting garden tours and other events at their beautifully landscaped home. Elaine spent many hours volunteering for organizations close to her heart, including the Master Gardner’s Association, spending time at the Art & Garden Festival and Jazz Concerts at Anderson Enrichment center, and for many years she was a fixture in helping to organize the St. Charles Beautification Day with the St. Charles Schools. She also was instrumental in starting the Saginaw Valley Hosta Society, and just last month helped them organize their summer picnic. She was happiest when she was with her gardening friends scoping out plant sales and playing in the dirt.

Elaine enjoyed cooking from scratch for her family and crafting throughout her life. In recent years she spent her winters knitting hats for the local homeless shelters.

Surviving are her children Amanda Carrigan, Chris Rappley and his wife Irit, Bill Rappley, and Julie Loukas; grandchildren Abigail Carrigan, Dan Rappley, Nick Rappley, and Alex and Andrew Loukas, and many dear gardening friends. Elaine was preceded in death by her husband William, her parents Henry Gross & Alice Shark, her brother Fred Gross, her Mother & Father-in-law Kate & Ralph Moore, and brother-in-law Richard Rappley.

Elaine was a firecracker in life, always offering a smile and her sense of humor. Her wonderful wit shines through in her children and grandchildren. She was loved by all who knew her and her smile will be missed dearly by her loved ones.

A memorial service for Elaine will be held at a later time. Those wishing an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to the St. Charles Beautification Day by mailing donations to the St. Charles Community Schools c/o Beautification Day.

Arrangements were entrusted to W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603. Please visit www.casefuneralhome.com to share thoughts and memories of Elaine.