Ann Appel lived life to the fullest. She was a lady of quiet strength and unwavering love for her family and friends. Ann was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on February 10, 1961 to Kermit and Judith Vandervelde. She grew up in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, then returned to Iowa, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Distributive Studies: Chemistry, Microbiology, and Zoology from Iowa State University, the alma mater of both parents and all four grand parents. She worked in a hospital lab for several years. Ann moved to Evergreen, Colorado when she married Scott Appel in 1989 and began a new life which soon included two boys, Evan and Austin, whom she adored. Ann spent the next two decades raising her two sons. She made sure the boys understood the value of diligent work, but also ensured there was plenty of fun. There was always an adventure or something to look forward to. Her sons are currently studying for their bachelor's degrees. Ann lived life with a passion, and passed that along to her family. The Appel sons, under Ann's watchful eye, excelled in both studies and sports, among other interests. She raised two sons who earned numerous All State and All American awards and titles, one of whom was valedictorian of his senior class. She could always be heard cheering on her sons and their teammates at track meets and cross country races. Ann was always there. Ann Appel also loved the mountains. If you ever joined her in working at a task around the acreage, you soon learned you would probably be sitting down for a rest while she kept right on going. She was a trooper. Ann loved to vacation at the beach at Siesta Key, Florida in the spring. She had hundreds of sea shells, neatly sorted and organized, like everything else in her life. Ann was a truly beautiful woman, both inside and out. She was a faithful and supportive wife ... steady in character ... you always knew what to expect. She was honest, loving, gentle and always had a smile and a genuine little laugh for anyone she encountered, no matter what struggles she might have had that day. Ann's life was tragically cut short, but the Appel family knows how wonderfully blessed they have been to have this beautiful mother and wife in their lives for more than 20 years. Ann Appel will be missed by many, but her love and devotion will live on in the lives of the family she cherished so dearly, and in the beautiful memory of all who knew her. We rejoice that Ann is now with the Lord in Heaven. Ann is survived by her husband, Scott, and sons, Evan and Austin, of Littleton; father Kermit and stepmother Judy of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; and brother David, wife, Barbara, and one niece of Tempe, Arizona. She is also survived her mother-in-law, Della Appel, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa; and four Appel in-law families with 12 nieces and nephews. She was preceeded in death by her mother Judith and her father-in-law Robert Appel. A service to celebrate Ann’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at West Bowles Community Church, 12325 West Bowles Avenue, Littleton, Colorado, 80127. The Appel family understands that many may not be able to attend the service. Please know we value and deeply appreciate your love and prayers. Cards or Condolances may be sent to Ann's family at: Appel Family 14141 Broadview Circle Littleton, CO 80127 The Ann Appel Memorial Fund has been established at Wells Fargo Bank, 10288 West Chatfield Ave., Littleton, CO 80127 or any Wells Fargo location.