This memorial was created in memory of our loved one, Patricia Ann (Grassel) Rappuhn. 

At 93, Patricia passed away while swimming early on November 18, 2020.  While this may sound dreadful to some readers, swimming was Patricia’s absolute favorite activity: one she engaged in every morning if she was near a pool. 

Pat’s love of swimming was surpassed only by her volunteer spirit, supporting the Chandler and Sun Lakes communities.  Following her retirement from a nursing career in 1979, she and husband Les Rappuhn moved from Illinois to Sun Lakes in large part due to its early prominence in supporting handicap accessibility, Les having been a paraplegic since WWII.  It was not long before Pat began volunteering at the Chandler Hospital, and was quickly put in charge of the Gift Shop.  Despite her life-long aversion to candy, the gift shop soon became known for selling far more candy than flowers, cards, or patient gifts.  Thousands of hours of volunteer service and many long-standing friendships were the result.

But the gift shop was only the beginning: as a dear friend described her, Pat was “in to everything.”  She was active in church, a moderator of the church board, made phone calls as part of weekly “member care” for church members and newcomers, volunteered at the Ed Robson Library, and a very strong supporter of Neighbors Who Care.  In 2014 she was a recipient of the Crystal Award for service to the community.

Pat was inquisitive … which occasionally came off as “prying,” but she asked “20 questions” because she cared and wanted to help.  People responded because they knew of her nursing background and medical knowledge, and were confident Pat could be trusted with sensitive personal information.

She was an international traveler – not always easy with Les in the wheelchair, but she visited countries throughout Europe, as well as China and Australia.

Married over 50 years, Pat was preceded in death by her husband Leslie Rappuhn, and her dear daughter Beth Ann Snell.  She is survived by her son David, grandchildren Mike Rappuhn, Joshua Rappuhn, Melissa Snell, Sara Heitkam, Morgan Snell, and their families, including eight delightful great-grandchildren as well as one great-great!

Memorial donations may be made to the Sun Lakes United Church of Christ:  25635 S Country Club Dr, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248.  Or if you’re local to Sun Lakes, you could volunteer at “Neighbors Who Care” - https://neighborswhocare.com/