Obituary of Jean L. Appel

February 19, 2012 3:26 AM APPEL, JEAN LOUISE Age 84 of Santa Barbara, CA went to be with the Lord on February 13th, surrounded by family members at Mission Terrace Convalescent Hospital. She was born to William "Harry" and Helen Marie Heffelfinger in their home in Detroit, Michigan on May 16, 1927. After graduating from MacKenzie High School and attending classes at Ball State College, Jean began working as a secretary for Smith, Hinchman and Grylles. Later she worked in the same capacity for General Motors in Detroit where Jean met her future husband, Marty Appel, who also worked for GM. They were married in October 1952. After moving to Santa Barbara in June, 1962, Jean worked part time as an EKG Technician at Cottage Hospital and Sansum Medical Clinic. Later she worked as an executive secretary "temp" for various local corporations. Jean enthusiastically supported her sons' interests in music, sports, boy scouts, school and church. When the boys were older and in college, she would always prepare a custom "welcome home" sign for their weekend visits and a bag of fresh cookies for the trip back to school. Jean began attending Women's Bible Study Fellowship in the early 70s and through her studying the Word, became a born again Christian. She spent many years in leadership of BSF as well as the Honeycomb Bible Study Series. Her love of the Lord led her to service in other areas. She taught Sunday School to 3rd, 4th and 5th graders at Trinity Lutheran Church, led Bible Studies for incarcerated women in the Santa Barbara County Jail, served in ministry at the local Rescue Mission for six years, and taught a children's Bible Study in her home for three years. She also had a heart for the Navajo people after participating in a short-term mission trip to Arizona in 1981 where she taught Sunday School classes to a number of students. She continued to provide financial support to the mission until her death. Jean also took great pleasure in serving the community. She was a volunteer for a local hospice organization and was a "Big Sister" through the Klein Bottle organization. For years she volunteered through the Cottage Hospital Auxiliary where she eventually served as Recording Secretary and then President of the organization. Finally, Jean served as a Docent at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and only retired when age and health became a concern to her. Jean loved music. She played piano in her youth and continued playing into her 80's. Jean also sang in the choir at Trinity Lutheran Church. She was loved by many for her gregarious and bubbly personality. Prior to and after retirement Jean and Marty traveled and cruised the world and visited almost every continent. Jean is survived by her sons Larry Appel and wife Philis of Santa Maria, CA; Ron Appel and wife Desi of Arcadia, CA; Jim Appel of Santa Barbara, CA; 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Marty Appel, of 58 years. A service celebrating Jean's life and home going will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 25th at Trinity Lutheran Church, 909 N. La Cumbre Road, Santa Barbara. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her name to the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission (535 E. Yanonali Street Santa Barbara, CA 93103) or to the Flagstaff Mission to the Navajos (P.O. Box AA Flagstaff, Arizona 86002).