Bernice Raper

Bernice E. Raper, 88, of Urbandale, Iowa, (formerly of Casey and Stuart, Iowa) passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2008, at Urbandale Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Bernice Ester Chase was born on August 22, 1919, in Fillmore, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Ester Chase.

When Bernice was three her mother passed away and at the age of six was moved to the Dubuque Children's Orphanage with her brother and sister. She lived there until it closed in 1928. Bernice then was placed in the Soldier's Orphans Home in Davenport until she was fifteen. After leaving the orphanage she was placed with a family in Des Moines as a maid and attended Roosevelt High School. At the age of eighteen she was given her freedom to be who she wanted to be and live wherever she wanted.

She then moved to Casey and worked at Overmyer Restaurant as a waitress and did this for several years. This is where she met her husband, Raymond Raper. They were married on September 15, 1941 in Maryville, Missouri while he was home on furlough. After Raymond returned from the war they made their home in Casey and raised their three daughters.

Bernice was a member of the United Methodist Church in Casey and was very active in her earlier years. She was often seen helping with larger eating events because of her experience as a head cook in the Adair-Casey School District for 21 years.

Bernice enjoyed going to Prairie Meadows Casino. She also enjoyed bowling and bingo. Bernice was an avid reader. Most of all, however, Bernice loved and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bernice is survived by her daughters, Karen Schuster and her husband, Gary of Urbandale, Iowa, and Karol Hare and her husband, Glen of Johnston, Iowa; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ester Chase; her husband, Raymond in 1982; her daughter, Connie Hanley in 1997; and her siblings, Ira, Clifford, Eva and Frank.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at the United Methodist Church in Casey, Iowa.

Burial will be in the Canby Cemetery in Adair County, Iowa.

Visitation with family present will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at the Hockenberry Funeral Home in Adair, Iowa.

Memorials may be made to the family and will be donated to Iowa Health Care Hospice of Urbandale.

Condolences may be left at www.hockenberryfamilycare.com.

Hockenberry Funeral Home in Adair is in charge of the arrangements.