Helen Juanita Raper

Helen Juanita Rathburn Raper, 73, of Black Walnut Lane, Candler, died Thursday, March 14, 2013. A native of Yancey Co., she was a daughter of the late William Landon and Bonnie Pittman Rathburn. She was also preceded in death by a brother. Mrs. Raper was a loving, strong wife, mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed. Mrs. Raper is survived by her husband, Glenn "Buster" Raper, Jr.; sons Roger Raper and wife Tracey, and Rick Raper and wife Linda; grandson Drew; step-grandchildren Jacob, Kaylor, Amber, and Ericca; 3 sisters; and 3 brothers. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday in the Patton Ave. chapel of Groce Funeral Home, with the Rev. David Grindstaff officiating. Interment will follow at Pisgah View Memorial Park. Her family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CarePartners Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.