I joined the Coopersville Rotary Club in 2011, after serving on the Coopersville Chamber of Commerce Board for several years. I became active in the Coopersville Car Show Committee while it was still being run by the Chamber, and as it was turned over to the Rotary Club, I followed. Which, for the last several years I have co-chaired this event. The Car Show/Summerfest is the Clubs largest, fundraiser. I have always enjoyed being a part of organizing fundraisers and events that give back to our community.
I was born and raised in the northwest side of Grand Rapids. After I graduated High School I went to work for a Savings and Loan Bank, where I worked as a Branch Manager for 5 years. I married my husband Dennis in 1979 and we moved to Coopersville, where we raised 3 children - 2 daughters and a son, who are all married and live within a short distance of us. We have 6 grandchildren - whom I adore! We enjoy a lot of family time at our pool in the summer and just hanging out in the winter.
Dennis and I have worked together in business our entire marriage - he was an Excavating Contractor for 28 years, and I was the bookkeeper for the company. In 2000, I started our sign business. It was meant for me to have something more to do as my kids were getting older. We closed the Excavating company in 2003 and went full time with Raap Signs, which we really enjoy.
I am proud to be a Rotarian and live by our motto of Service above Self.