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Velora Lou Apeland
Velora Lou Apeland
Obituary
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Velora Apeland Obituary
On a blind date, Velora met a handsome young dental school graduate, H. Donald Apeland, studying at the University of Washington. They were married and began their family in San Diego, where Don served in the US Navy. They moved back to Bellingham when Don began his dental practice. After Don and Velora parted ways, Velora went back to school to receive her Master's degree in Speech and Hearing Pathology from Western Washington University. For 30 years (and as a single parent) Velora taught in the Meridian School District, while at the same time holding down a second part time job. Her children learned the value of education, faith, frugality. They learned hard work doing paper routes around their Wiser Lake home, making and selling homemade bread and custom jewelry, and picking berries every summer .
Velora loved the outdoors, enjoying skiing and ski patrol at Mt Baker, Fishing, Hiking, Summer camping in the VW Camper bus, the Lynden Fair and anything with her children or grandchildren.
Velora was a patriot who loved her country; a faithful Christian, seeking light and knowledge as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served as a Relief Society President, influencing many women and young girls. She provided meals and comfort to any and all in need. She raised her children with stability and strength at their beloved Wiser Lake home where all were welcomed to watch fireworks, enjoy the lake, and fed her famous salmon dinners.
Velora is survived by Children: Cindy Lou Jones (Wayne) of Kettle Falls, Allison Dorothy Apeland of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Donald Scott Apeland (Mary) of Heber City, Utah; Grandchildren: Seth (Sarah) Jones, Luke (Ally) Jones, Nicholas (Miranda) Apeland, Emily (Preston) Kelly, Tanner (Rachel) Apeland, and Landon Apeland; Great grandchildren: Cal Rowan Jones, Brooke Jones; Scotti James, Truett, and Stetson Apeland; Ava, Coco, and Reggie Kelly, and Nephews and Niece: Steve, Jerry and Alice Carr.
Velora was preceded in death by her parents, brother Alan Carr and spouse Barbara.
Velora requested to not have a large funeral service and honoring her wishes her children will have a small family gathering instead. She will be interned at the family burial in Anacortes, Washington with family.
Many thanks to caregivers and Eden Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Eden Hospice.
16 Entries
Kelly Pugh
March 14, 2025
Velora was a bright spot in the lives of many people, including mine. She always had a listening ear, and gave her love freely to all of us. She did some work with my mother, and we spent a lot of time together, including spending 3 weeks in Cheney, Washington, where we played at the lake, and attended EXPO'74, where we made lasting memories together. Wee all had fun practicing thee esophageal speech she and my mother learned in a class at Eastern Washington University that summer. We still practice it to this day, lol. She was always kind, and loving to all of us. It seemed every time we were able to see her, we always had lots of hugs and 'I love yous', before parting. I remember going to the movies, and spending endless summer days, swimming and fishing at the lake. She raised impeccable children who I love dearly. She was a great example to everyone around her. She was also a great listener, and had a monstrous laugh that was always fun to hear. She left a legacy of how we should live our lives. Her kindness was unmatched, and we will miss her.
Verlaine (Thon) Van Horn
October 30, 2024
My first memory of Velora was meeting her at Kellner's bean farm, where her Dad was the "Straw Boss." We diligently picked green string beans, filled our galvanize buckets and transferred the beans to our gunny sacks at the end of each row. When the gunny sack was as full as we could manage, we dragged the sack to be weighed; get our card punched, and drag our gunny sack to continue picking. Then on to strawberries, raspberries and blueberries! School clothes were our goal at the end of the season. Many of our school teachers were the berry bus drivers, as well. Velora and I became friends at Whatcom Jr. HS and on to BHS, later to lose track of each other. We got reacquainted as young mothers, raising our kids together with memorable times at her modest Lake Wiser home. Another memory: As we were driving home from a shopping trip to Seattle, we were surprised when a State Patrol flashed their lights and pulled us over---no ticket was rendered, though we were cautioned to not drive so slow! Velora was full of life, laugher and smiles. Kindness was her virtue. She leaves an incredible legacy of 3 very special children who were well raised, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
michael bezona
October 28, 2024
Velora was a special kind of person...she never was mad...she never talked bad about anyone...she was always good to you...I have never met anyone who could be so kind... she left a great number of kids, grandkids and great-grandchildren... what a great time we had on the lake... memories you want for ever...
Darlene Stremler Mathews
October 28, 2024
Much love to you...Cindy, Allison, and Scott. What a beautiful blessing your mom was to so Many
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Cathy Arnold
October 27, 2024
Velora was such a sweet, kind and caring person. I was blessed to have been able to work with her at IRPS. What a beautiful soul! She was always so positive and shared her welcoming smile with everyone. My heartfelt condolences go out to her children Cindy, Allison and Scott. She always spoke so fondly of her family, and she was so proud of all of you! I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother. You were all great blessings in her life. I want you to know just how much she meant to everyone who knew her. I will miss her dearly.
Sarah Davis
October 27, 2024
She seemed to always be smiling! We spent many days on the lake at her house when we were younger. She was always so kind and genuinely interested in hearing the answer to whatever question she asked. Rest in peace, sweet Velora
Barry Hansen
October 27, 2024
Having grown up friends with Scott since I was three years old, I knew Velora pretty well. I was always amazed at a mother who had a drum kit in her living room. Whether visiting her home on the shores of Wiser Lake as a kid, teen, college student, or adult, Velora was always happy to see me and interested in what I was doing. She took me and Scott to the fair where I wasted many dimes throwing them at fancy glass goblets, only to end up with a pile of ashtrays. We affectionately called her Crazy Velora because she was always cheerful, exuberant, youthful and ready for fun. She was an example to me of a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a great single mother. I always knew Velora cared about me. I can only picture her smiling. I have a very soft spot in my heart for her and for Cindy, Allison, and Scott.
Lynne Jermunson
October 27, 2024
Velora was an angel who walked amongst us. She was so generous with her knowledge, time, words of encouragement and compassion for all people she met. Velora´s kindness was recognized and appreciated, reciprocated in kind. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy. Lynne Jermunson
Windy Davidson
October 27, 2024
Ms Apeland was my speech therapist all through elementary. I speak of her often and I'm grateful she was a big part of my school years. I always looked forward to seeing her on speech days Windy Crabtree
Sue Priebe
October 27, 2024
I met Velora at IRPS as a speech therapist. She was so kind, encouraging, and always with a beautiful smile. She was a valuable asset at Meridian. After her retirement I enjoyed running into her and she always remembered my family and asked about how they were doing. She offered some ideas that we could do at home when my grandson was going through his speech therapy.
Beautiful lady inside and out. Lucky to have known her.
Condolences to all of the family.
Kim Schenk Skousen
October 27, 2024
I was just reminiscing about Velora with my mom. Velora always crinkled her nose when she smiled and laughed! Which was a lot. She raised great children, and I'm sure now grandchildren who will miss her deeply. Velora radiated love to all those who were lucky to know her. I know she's left a big hole, but so glad she's no longer in pain and rejoicing with her lived ones who beat her to heaven! Hugs and prayers to Scott, Allison abd Cindy
Sierra Pratt
October 27, 2024
I couldn´t speak intelligibly for the first few years of my life. Sister Apeland was a family friend and a ward member when I was younger and helped my parents figure out my speech impediment. I am very grateful for Sister Apeland and her knowledge and kindness.
Scott Peck
October 27, 2024
You could never be in a bad mood when you were in the presence of Velora Apeland. She somehow had the secret to kindness. That´s just who she was. She made everyone around her better for it.
Growing up with her three amazing kids meant many a summers day water skiing in her lake. Getting up to a bit of mischief as well, but she was always so loving to us anyway.
I never heard her say a bad thing about anyone, or become angry, or raise her voice. She was a smiling, soft spoken woman who was an example to us all.
She will be missed, but I´m happy for her because she gets to reunite with her many, many loved ones who went before. Heaven just got even better.
Ann Hovenier
October 25, 2024
We met Velora in church when we moved to Bellingham in 1970. She was sweet, kind, and a friend to everyone. I liked her immediately. Velora was a loving mother and a good example for her three children. They developed many of the same wonderful traits as their mom. Her son, Scott, and my oldest son, Jack, were close in age and became friends. Scott was a great kid and I enjoyed having him come home with Jack. Cindy and Allison were just as nice. They were a little older and were trustworthy so we felt lucky to have them babysit for us sometimes.
Velora was a special person and will be missed by all fortunate enough to have known her. She may be gone from us for now but I am sure she is still very much involved with her family. She probably has taken the role of their guardian angel and watches over them constantly. I also think she is patiently waiting for all the people she cares about to join her for a giant reunion.
You are loved, sweet Velora! Rest in peace!
Stephanie Pratt
October 21, 2024
Cindy, Allison and Scott, My heart just hurts to hear about your mom's passing. She is most likely planning a get together with my mom and all their friends who went before. I'm sure there won't be a day that you don't think about her and miss her voice and sweet smile. She is one of my favorite people in all the world. She had a talent for spreading optimism and had something good to say about everyone. She was fun and compassionate and kind. I honestly don't think I've ever heard her say anything negative about anyone. She has been called "an angel" by so many. Her home was always open and the center of all things fun. When my mom went through her divorce, she and Velora became the very best of friends. They talked on the phone regularly. Neither one could hear the other in their later years, but it was always fun to listen in on their conversations about money and politics and just about anything. She spent her time quietly brightening the days of others. I will miss her and know that there are many whose lives she made better, including mine. Hugs to all of you!
Karen Mordue
October 21, 2024
I never visited Bellingham without stopping in to see Velora. She welcomed all with her beautiful, warm smile, open arms and an invitation to come in and sit awhile. We had many fun conversations over the years and shared a lot of laughs. I especially loved witnessing her lovely friendship with my mom, Verlaine Van Horn, and Janet Slesk. She is truly one of God´s elect women and I am so grateful for her friendship over these many years.
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