Ruth Apel

POCATELLO - Ruth I. Apel, 83, of Pocatello, passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2011, at her home with her family by her side. She was born on December 19, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois to George and Edith (Smith) Harper. She was raised in Chicago and went through school there. Her father passed away while they lived in Chicago and her mother remarried James Boyle. Ruth moved to Butte, Montana, while in her teens and then lived in San Francisco during WWII and worked as one of Rosie's Riveters on the liberty ships. After moving back to Butte, she met Sam in an ice cream parlor where she worked. Ruth married Samuel C. Apel on December 1, 1949 in Butte, Montana. In her younger years she worked in a Laundromat, ship yard, and ice cream parlor. After she married she was a stay at home mom and took care of her family and house. Ma loved her companion Renie, her little black dog. She also fed every bird and squirrel in the neighborhood. A special thanks to Sharon Apel, her niece, for all that she did for Ruth in her last days. Also a thanks to Idaho Home Health and Hospice staff for their help and support. Ruth is survived by her son ,Terry C. Apel and wife Karen of Pocatello; son, Darryl J. Apel and wife Jodi of Pocatello; daughter, Connie Ruth Apel Williams and husband Mike Boyd of Pocatello; her loving dog Renie; 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Samuel C. Apel; father George Harper, Sr; step-father James E. Boyle; mother Edith Boyle; and brother George Harper. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2010, 2:00 p.m., at Restlawn Memorial Garden. A viewing will be held from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday with a Rosary service from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. 4 th Ave prior to the graveside service. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Colonial Funeral Home (208) 233-1500. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.Colonial-FuneralHome.com.