Mrs. Rapp, 79, of Holmdel, formerly of Red Bank and Little Silver, died Sept. 1, 2011, of heart-related ailments at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank. She was the international record holder for longevity with a prosthetic heart valve, 40 years, with her first surgery taking place in 1971. Mrs. Rapp worked as an artist for Hallmark Greeting Cards before becoming a schoolteacher in Ocean Township and Union Beach. After raising her children, she became the owner of the Yarn Basket, a knitting and needlework store in Fair Haven for 10 years. She was a member of the Navesink Knitting Guild. Mrs. Rapp was predeceased by her sisters, Clara Lou Obern, Roberta Jane Merrill and Alice Muir. Surviving are her husband of 54 years, William Frederick Rapp of Holmdel; and two sons, William Frederick Rapp Jr. and his wife, Michele, of Eatontown, and Edward Walter Rapp of Farmingdale. Arrangements were by Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Hazlet. A graveside service was held at Fair View Cemetery in Middletown.
