Obituaries
Lawrence A. Rupley, 84
June 19, 2025
Lawrence A. Rupley, formerly of Indiana, Illinois, Nigeria, Ohio, Georgia, Kenya, Burkina Faso, Akron and Lititz, Pennsylvania, died on June 19, 2025.He was 84.
He was born in Huntington, Indiana to Clarence and Mary (Darley) Rupley and lived on the family farm during his growing-up years. He attended Clear Creek High School and Manchester College in North Manchester, Indiana. He married Melody Eikenberry in 1966.
After graduate study at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) and a Rotary fellowship at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, he taught economics at Knox College, Emory University and Depauw University and at Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria and University of Nairobi in Kenya. He was also employed by MTS Travel and worked on arrangements for the Mennonite World Conference Assembly in Zimbabwe in 2003. Lawrence and Melody worked together as administrators of Mennonite Central Committee’s peace, relief and development programs in Burkina Faso and Nigeria for a total of 13 years. They lived in Akron PA for 29 years before moving to Landis Homes, Lititz PA, in 2015.
He was co-author of two editions of the Historical Dictionary of Burkina Faso and authored a number of journal articles.
His hobbies included playing the piano for his own enjoyment, and playing water volleyball at Landis Homes retirement community. He enjoyed jokes and puns and trivia, and learning new information. He was a long-time member of Akron Mennonite Church where he was the volunteer coordinator of a monthly men’s group for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Melody, and children Heidi Asta Rupley, Colin Leon Rusel (Lora), and Nathan Carlos Rupley (Rebecca), and by grandsons Gavin and Avery Rusel and Silas and Dylan Rupley.
A celebration of Lawrence’s life will take place at Akron Mennonite Church, 1311 Diamond Street, Akron, PA 17501 on Saturday, July 12, 2025. Guests are invited to visit the family from 10 to 11AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lawrence’s memory may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 12 South 12th Street, Akron PA 17501.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
July 08, 2025
My wife, l and the intire family of Malgwi in Nigeria send our hearts felt condolences to the L.A.Rupley in the U.S, MAY HIS JENTLE SOUL REST WITH THE LORD. WILLIAM USMAN MALGWI.
July 05, 2025
Dear Melody, we are keeping you and your family in our prayers as you say good-bye to Lawrence on Saturday. He was a dear, dear man and we were blessed to receive his hospitality on several occasions. We send our love. Dale and Gann Herman
July 05, 2025
Chère Melody,
C’est avec une grande tristesse que nous avons appris le départ de Lawrence, votre époux auprès du Seigneur. Claire et moi voudrions te présenter nos sincères condoléances en ces moments difficiles. Que Dieu le Saint-Esprit qui est appelé le Consolateur puisse apporter la paix et la vraie consolation au sein de la famille Rupley. Courage!
Siaka et Claire
July 03, 2025
Lawrence was the best neighbour one could ever wish for. We lived next door to their house on Walnut Street in Akron. Lawrence happily tolerated our dog’s barking, our children learning to ride bikes on their driveway, javelin practice in their backyard, among many other happy memories. His help with packing the moving van when David and I moved to Canada in 2012 was immeasurable. I will always remember Lawrence with great fondness, and to Melody I extend my heartfelt condolences.
Judith Rempel Smucker (for Annali and Levi as well)
June 30, 2025
Dear Melody and family, From the family of Late Samaila Malgwi, accept our heartfelt condolences, our prayers is with you, may our Lord Jesus Christ console the entire family. Amen
June 30, 2025
Dear Melody and family,
Our condolences to you and a prayer that you be comforted in this time of grief. He lived a life of legacy and will be dearly missed. May his sould rest in peace with the Lord.
Michael Malgwi
June 30, 2025
Dear melody and family,
There is no doubt in US that Lawrence has delivered his gospel and humanity service to the world,we the family of Malgwi will remain eternerly grateful to you as family.
We wish you the grace of God to bear the lost,May his soul rest with the Lord.Amen.
From all of us in Nigeria.
Malgwis
June 27, 2025
Dear Melody and family,
I am too sad and shocked to say much. You are on our hearts and in our prayers.
Cousins Jim & Sue Eikenberry
June 26, 2025
Dear Melody and Family:
Our sincere condolences. We trust that you will be surrounded by a whole host of family and friends to offer love and support, and that you will experience God’s care and compassion. We remember with deep gratitude our years together at Akron Mennonite Church and Mennonite Central Committee around the world. Thanks be to God for the life and legacy of Lawrence.
Courage, Grace and Serenity.
Gudrun and Ron Mathies
June 25, 2025
To Melody and Family,
We are very sorry for your loss. We have many good memories of our children enjoying time together and our many shared experiences at Akron Mennonite Church and Mennonite Central Committee. May God surround you all with His peace. Lloyd and Goldie Kuhns
June 25, 2025
I was shocked to hear the news of Lawrence’s death. Love to you as you gather to cry and laugh together. Sandy Horst
June 24, 2025
my condolences to Melody and family in the loss of Laurence. They were my neighbors for the four years. I lived at Landis Homes at 1659 Wisteria Dr. My love and prayers are with you melody and family.
Don Hertzler
- Visitation
- Saturday, July 12, 2025
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Akron Mennonite Church
- 1311 Diamond Street
- Akron, PA 17501
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Saturday, July 12, 2025
- 11:00 AM
- Akron Mennonite Church
- 1311 Diamond Street
- Akron, PA 17501
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions >
