Roma Jean Apel (Weaver) was born to Cal and Opal Weaver on December 4, 1933 in Casper, Wyoming. She graduated from Natrona County High School in 1951. In July of 1952, she married Howard Leon Apel at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Casper, Wyoming. Together, they raised three children: Roxanne Apel (Araas), Ron Eugene Apel and Jerrold Fredrick Apel.

Roma loved Willie Nelson, crossword puzzles, owls and, of course, her teapots. She took loving, personal interest in the lives of every animal they shared their house, and their land, with. She always welcomed and enjoyed a challenging game of cribbage, bridge or rummy. She was small in stature, but on more than one occasion seemed to grow larger than life to “redirect” the actions of her children and grandchildren. Occasionally, Roma and Howard would express their love for each other through their own loving terms of endearment. Their special bond lead to nearly sixty years of marriage.

Never seeking her own glory, Roma dedicated her life to supporting those around her. She and Howard lived the majority of their life in Story, WY, where she volunteered with the Story Woman’s Club and was a devoted member of Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church. She put everything that she had into raising their three children, ensuring that Howard had ample time and opportunity to pursue his multiple careers, both civilian and military.

Roma had a fierce pride in her role as a mother and wife. The family home, which she and Howard built in 1967, in Story, WY, was the epitome of cleanliness and organization. It was always ready to receive the large number of friends, family and guests that frequently visited. Under Roma’s care, their home existed for more than 40 years as the bedrock for family gatherings. Regardless of the countless hours she had spent in preparation, Roma was never satisfied with what she had to offer. To everyone else, it was perfect. To her, nothing was good enough for her friends and family. Between Roma’s stern words, when necessary, and Howard’s constant teasing, the life lessons learned within that home and on that land cannot be measured. It was truly Roma’s life accomplishment. Those lessons, those experiences and all the other results of her dedication to expressing her love through often unnoticed actions will exist for generations to come.

Roma is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howard; daughter, Roxanne; and son, Jerry. She is survived by her son, Ron; four grandchildren: Ryan Araas (Shelly), Christopher Apel, Robert Araas (Katie) and Curtis Apel (Larissa); and six great-grandchildren, Tyra, Liberty and Caleb Araas (Ryan); Christina Araas (Robert); Ryder and Weston Apel (Curtis).

A Christian Burial Service will be at 2 PM Sunday, October 7, 2018 at Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church in Story, WY with Deacon John Bigelow officiating. Burial will follow in the Quiet Rest Cemetery in Story.

 

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

 

Sheridan & Johnson County Obituaries