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| Community mourns loss of local resident |
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4/24/2015
By Tom Marshall
Senior Advocate writer
The community mourns the loss of a local woman who was killed Monday in a two-vehicle collision on Winchester Road just across the county line in Clark County.
Tina Denniston Rappley, who was in her 40s, died in the crash, which occurred about 7:45 a.m. She was a cancer survivor.
Her body was sent to the state medical examiner’s office in Frankfort for an autopsy.
Rappley’s daughter was injured in the accident and was taken to Kentucky Children’s Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Jimmy Adams, a friend of the family, said she might have been released as early as Tuesday.
Rappley was reportedly taking her daughter to school when another vehicle crossed the center line and struck Rappley’s SUV head-on.
Authorities told the media that the driver had just gotten off third shift and might have fallen asleep before the crash. He was not injured.
They also reported that they do not believe drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident.
Shannon Denniston, Tina’s brother, said she was a special person, “the perfect sister.”
“There’s so much I could say about her ... she was always looking for ways to help people and comfort people. She had a way about making everything be OK. I miss her so much, I’m having a tough time believing she’s gone. I wish I could have told her I love you and you mean so much to me just one more time.”
Facebook was flooded with messages offering condolences after the accident.
“My heart breaks! RIP Tina,” Angela Skaggs posted. “You were always a wonderful friend and you will be missed. You fought so hard and made it through cancer. We spoke several times during your chemo and even though it was rough on you, you always kept the faith and pulled through it all and now to be taken this way is just so unbelievable. I am in shock. I pray for your children and family that God will comfort them in this very sad time. Your inspiration will carry on! May you rest with the angels my friend!”
Others found inspiration in Rappley’s battle with cancer.
“I am at a loss for words,” posted Mary Charles Brown. “I was heartbroken when I heard it was you in the crash today. You inspired me with your posts and I enjoyed reading them. You always ended them with Hugs and Hope. That is what I wish for your two beautiful children, Hugs and Hope. RIP my friend, you will be missed.”
Former classmate Kim Hargis Hall had similar comments.
“I still can’t believe you’re really gone. You were one of those friends that no matter how long it had been since we’d seen each other, we could pick up from where we left off,” she said. “I’ve shared your story with so many. Your strength and perseverance both amazed and inspired me to a be a better person and mom! RIP my dear friend. May your legacy live on through your kids and the many lives you have touched! Prayers for the family. Class of ‘89.”
Complete obituary information was not available at press time. However, family members posted that visitation was expected to be held 5-9 p.m. Friday, April 24, at Taul Funeral Home. Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at the funeral home.
—Managing editor Jamie Vinson contributed to this story.
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