Constance Louise “Connie” Appel, 84, passed away Saturday, February 22, 2020 in Ellsworth. She was born March 1, 1935 in Madison, KS, the oldest child of Glen I. and Waneta Fay (King) Redding. Connie spent nearly her entire life in the central Kansas communities of Bushton, Ellsworth, and Kanopolis. She had three siblings that she shared her fun-filled younger years with: Dale Redding of Augusta, KS, Don Redding of Bushton, and Carolin “Sue” Meier of Ellinwood, KS, who preceded her in death.
Connie married Albert “Popeye” Appel on February 26, 1955 and partnered a full and love-filled life together until Albert’s death in December of 2016. During their marriage, they had two sons, Jon (Sheri) of Manhattan, KS and Adam of Stillwater, OK. She was also blessed with four grandchildren, Jared, Logan, Aaron (Lindsey, and Adylee (Tyler) who she loved dearly.
Connie was known to be a very kind hearted mom, an aunt and friend to many nieces and nephews, and sister to the many people in her circle of life. She enjoyed cooking, fishing, playing cards, marbles, dominoes, and a “few” hot tub parties. Connie had a competitive streak against her husband which made for some spirited games. In her years in Bushton, she took on many tasks which included cooking at the local school, child care for various families that were temporarily in the area, running a concession stand for summer ball games, wine making, and fund raising for the troops in Vietnam. She loved dogs and cats, making homemade ice cream, and the road trips with Popeye to explore the back roads. While she was in Bushton, she was a member of the Bushton Methodist Church. In her later years, she lived in Ellsworth and Kanopolis and made many friends and continued entertaining. There, Connie and Popeye joined the Ellsworth First United Methodist Church to continue their faith.
During her twilight years after Albert’s passing, she lived at the Good Samaritan Home in Ellsworth where she was lovingly cared for by the staff as she suffered from dementia. As the sun was setting on life’s long road, she managed many smiles of love and appreciation to visiting family and friends and to the staff that were taking care of her.
Visitation: 1-8 p.m., Friday, February, 28, 2020 with family present 5-7 p.m. at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth.
Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 29, 2020 at First United Methodist Church, Ellsworth.
Burial: 1:30 p.m., Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Bushton-Farmer Township Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Smoky Hills Charitable Foundation, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.