Beulah Edwards Lape, at the age of 93, reunited with her husband, parents, sisters and brothers on March 13, 2019 when she passed away at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Beulah was born at the family home on November 14, 1925 to John Preston and Myrtle Harlen Edwards.  She was the last of the “Edwards Girls”.  She and her sisters; Eunice, Lois, Louise and Violet shared a special bond, and they held a life-long affection for their older brothers; Russell, Warren, Paul and Estes.

Like man of her generation raised in rural Missouri during the Depression and World War II, Beulah learned the value of thrift and the dignity of work.  She found her lifelong partner in Otto Lape and they were married in 1943.  There were married 55 years when Otto died in 1998.

They worked together as farmers in the region, including a farm near Marble Hill, Missouri.  Later they were owners of a fabric store and sewing machine dealership in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  Beulah was an accomplished designer and seamstress, and she was able to send many brides down the aisle in the wedding gown of their dreams.

With an emphasis on self-reliance and “tough it out” perseverance, they dispensed iodine and bandages in a continuous stream to children encouraged to complete their chores, ride bikes, wander the back roads and wade in creeks.  Grateful for her dedication are Dennis Lape (Betty) of Everton, Arkansas, Vickie Lape Clubb (John) of St. Charles, Missouri, Teresa Lape of Marble Hill, Missouri and Darwin Lape (Nancy) of Marble Hill, Missouri.  Beulah also is survived by five grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren and a generation of nieces and nephews who loved her.

Beulah was a past Worthy Matron and Otto a Past Worthy patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, where they spent many years promoting friendships and philanthropy.  

She was a member of the Baptist Church and in retirement, Beulah enjoyed a trip to the Holy Land led by a Biblical scholar.  She made many quilts for family brides and babies, as well as for infants at St. Francis Medical Center.  She enjoyed helping her youngest daughter, Teresa, geo-cache with amazing accuracy.  Her blue-ribbon winning angel food cake was a big draw at family and Walker Church reunions.

Friends may call at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Saturday, March 16, 2019 from 10:00 to 11:00 am. 

A Memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 11:00 am in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel.

Donations may be made to:  St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Cancer Research, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110 or Donor’s choice.

Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter in charge of all arrangements.