Hazel M. Apley, 97, of Miller, passed away Monday, August 17, 2020 at her home in Miller.

Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 24, 2020 at United Methodist Church, Miller with Pastor Teresa Whetsel, officiating. Burial will follow at GAR Cemetery, Miller. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., Monday, August 24, 2020 at the church. The church requires masks and social distancing be practiced.

Hazel was born September 21, 1922 in Orange Township, Pope County, Minnesota to Vance Royalton Hunter and Blanche (Nelson) Hunter. She was the third child of seven children – Vance, Isabel., Hazel, Florence, Luella, Helen and DeLoris. Her dad worked for a farming company which caused them to live at various farms throughout Minnesota. Hazel had fond memories of living on the Moon Place and the Highcroft farm.

In the summer of 1938, she met the love of her life William “Bill” Apley at a barn dance. Bill was from North Dakota and working on his Uncle’s farm for the summer. When he returned home, he sent Hazel a wooden heart shaped box with stationary inside and asked her to write to him. With her Dad’s permission she began sending love letters to North Dakota. On October 31, 1940 they were married in Glenwood, Minnesota. Hazel loved to tell the story how she and Bill only had 3 dates before they were married – one in 1938, one in 1939 and one in 1940.

Upon their marriage they moved to the Black Hills of South Dakota where Bill worked helping to build the Pactola Dam. From there they briefly lived in Bill’s hometown of Napoleon, North Dakota, and then moved to Blunt, South Dakota where Bill worked at various ranches. It was in this area where they began their family of five children – Larry, Ted, Judith, Susan and Shirley. Bill left the ranching life to help build the Oahe and Fort Thompson dams. Eventually they moved to the Miller where Hazel and Bill began a TV repair business.

Hazel was a loving mother who enjoyed baking, sewing, gardening, fishing, reading, bird watching and singing. She enjoyed playing Scrabble and card games. She welcomed all into her home with a smile and offer of food and a beverage. The neighborhood kids loved talking to her and playing at her house.

Hazel was proud of her children’s accomplishment in education, military service and all their endeavors. She excelled in supporting them through the many passions and difficulties of their lives. Often her support came through laughter and jokes such as “It’s a long way from your heart – you’ll live!”

Tending her legacy and preserving her stories are her children: son, Lawrence & Maritina (Tina) Apley, Phoenix, AZ, Larry’s family: Melissa McGee-Apley, wife of James Apley (deceased), Gage, Hunter, Tyler James aka TJ, Phoenix, AZ; Christine & David Apley-Gomez, Anthony, Adam, Eve, Avery, Bri and Aaliya, and numerous pets, Hereford, AZ; son, Theodore Apley, Independence, MO, Ted’s family: Khristopher & Debbie Carpenter-Apley, Benjamin, Independence, MO, Katrina Apley, Cyrus, Independence, MO, and Tater the wonder dog; daughter, Judith Apley, Miller, Judith’s family: Nelsina Apley, Miller, and Pandy, Richard, Chancey, and Cordell Rezac who are lovingly called “the adopted ones”; daughter, Susan & Jim Apley-Ries, Phoenix, AZ and Gus and Goo, two friendly cats; daughter, Shirley Apley, Huron, and her two dogs Fawnie and Flagg and special cat Rozzwell; youngest sister, DeLoris Anderson of Littleton, CO, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death are her husband, Bill; grandson, James William Apley; daughter-in-law, Kathy Bailey Apley; great grandchildren: Malachi and Layla; parents: Vance and Blanche Hunter; brother, Vance, Jr.; sisters: Isabel, Florence, Luella, Helen and their respective spouses.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Hazel’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net

1. Add to favourites
2. Report abuse