Myrtle Mary Raper, of Loranger, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at the age of 97. She was born Friday, June 12, 1925, on the Bullock family farm in Dewitt, Arkansas, the baby of 6 children. Myrtle was a member of the Savannah Branch Church of God pastored by the Rev. David Doiron. Prior to her move to Louisiana in 2013 which was preceded by the death of her beloved husband, Woodrow “Woody” Raper, Myrtle lived the majority of her life with Woody in Stuttgart, Arkansas where she had numerous family members and friends, most of whom attended her cherished First Assembly of God church in Stuttgart.
Myrtle was a lifelong seamstress, quilter, knitter, crocheter, and crafter, and her family and friends received many of her beautifully made heirloom creations, which will be treasured always and handed down to the next generations. Myrtle always had a Bible by her side, which she read voraciously until her eyesight failed her, after which she would watch or listen to Christian programs. When the occasion called for it, she would and could quote much of the Word for encouragement, spiritual guidance, and admonishment. She will be remembered for her kindness, gentleness, wisdom, sharp wit and mind, as well as her very strong faith in God and fervent, faith-filled, and powerful prayers.
Myrtle is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Rev. Ray and Vivian Waldo; grandson, Terry Waldo and his husband, Bill Homes; granddaughter, Tammy McLean; granddaughter, Katrina Waldo and her fiance, Steve Finckbeiner; step-daughter, Alice Nobles; and great-grandchildren, Devin McLean and Cameron McLean.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow “Woody” Raper; parents, George and Viola Bullock; sister, Bessie Bullock Hynum; and brothers, Luther, Guy, Albert, and Willard Bullock.
