DENISE C. APT

1929 - 2014

Denise C. Apt, 84, Iola, Kansas died Monday November 3, 2014, at her home. Denise "Denny" was born December 10th, 1929, Maywood, Illinois, the daughter of Lester R. and Margret E. (Fawcett) Coleman. Denny grew up in the Chicago, Illinois area. She attended Iowa State University and The University of Arkansas, where in both cases she was the only female engineering student. A profound love of Arkansas was born as a youngster bareback riding through the hills and fields of Northwest Arkansas. On a horse ride, a young man from Kansas sighted her! She married Frederick G Apt, Jr, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas June 8th, 1951. Thus this love of the magical hills of Arkansas developed into a loved second home for Denny & Fred, in Bella Vista, Arkansas. Where she leaves numerous friends and acquaintances. They made their home in Iola for most of their married life. Denny was dedicated community servant who touched many lives through her various educational involvements. She was President of the USD 257 for 12 years, elected to the State Board of Education (3 years) and that lead to an appointment of an unfulfilled term to the Kansas House of Representatives. She chaired several Education and agricultural committees during her 3 additional terms. Governor Mike Hayden appointed her as his Aide on Education. She also served on numerous educational and agricultural advisory committees in the years following her terms in the legislature. One her most favored accomplishments was the introduction of the Kansas Wildlife Art & Stamp Series. She was recognized as Iola's BPW women of the year, by Ducks unlimited for contributions to Wildlife Conservation & by Kansas Agri- Women for numerous contributions to Agriculture & the women Agriculture Program, among her too numerous to mention recognitions and awards. Her parents, her husband and son, Richard C Apt, preceded her in death. She is survived by 1 son; Frederick G. Apt III & wife, Janet of Iola, One Daughter; Barbara Bukaty & husband, Dan of Overland Park, KS, 5 Grand Children: Aleaka Morgan & husband Carlton, Shawnee, KS; Derick Apt & wife , Callie, Salt Lake City, UT; Jeremy Apt & wife Monica, Mission, KS; Preston & Harrison Bukaty, Overland Park, KS, 5 Great Grandchildren: Bennett, Coleman & Rowen Morgan and Stella & Frederick Apt. Visitation 5:00 to 7:00 Thursday, November 6th, 2014 at Waugh- Yokum & Friskel Chapel, Iola. Funeral services will be 10:00AM Friday November 7th, 2014 at 1st Presbyterian Church in Iola. Burial will follow the funeral services in Highland Cemetery, Iola, KS. Memorial gifts to Allen County Community College Endowment Association or First Presbyterian Church, Iola, KS may be left with Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel, 16 N. Buckeye, Iola, KS 66749. Go to www.iolafuneral.com to sign the guestbook online or leave a condolence.