April Marie Shotpouch

April Marie Shotpouch, age 43, was born on August 8, 1981, in Jay, Oklahoma, to Johnson Shotpouch and Deb Mittrucker (Ramseyer). When April was three years old, she and her mother moved to Spencer, where she spent most of her childhood. Her family affectionately called her “Cricket.”

April attended Spencer High School and was known for being the spark in every room she entered. In her younger years, she was truly the life of the party—people gravitated toward her. Friday and Saturday nights were often spent with friends gathering at the house before heading out to go skating, catch a movie, or dance the night away. Other times, they stayed in, doing “girl things”: listening to music, making up dances (April always insisted she was the best dancer), laughing, and talking about boys. She also believed she was the best singer and loved to say she sang like an angel. April had a gift for bringing people together and filling every space with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. April loved to cheer on the Iowa Hawkeyes, Oklahoma Sooners, and the Vikings.

Life brought challenges, and in her effort to get back on the right path, April moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, 21 years ago. There she met her dear friend Jenny Belgum, who stayed by her side until the very end. Her sister, LeeAnn, wishes to express deep gratitude for Jenny’s loyalty, love, and support—especially during times when LeeAnn couldn’t be there herself.

April leaves behind her nine children: Jaden, Diego, Alana, Tia, Ty, BJ, McKenna, Braxton, and Adalynn.

She is also survived by her sisters LeeAnn (Mario) Rosales and their six children, Jennifer Jones; her brother Todd (Angela) Jones; her aunts Melvina Shotpouch, Helen (Harold) DeMoss, Sarah (Jack) Adams, Deanna Shotpouch, Michael (Tenna) Shotpouch; her uncle Chummy and many cousins whom she loved: Theia Ramseyer, Kenton (Tawnee) Shotpouch, Kip Shotpouch, Heather (Cory) Wagner, Jackie Shotpouch, Deana Cox, Kimberly (JayDe) Moffett, Mikie Shotpouch, Casey (Whitney) Adams, Mikela (Drew) Wells, Ray (Heather) Ramseyer, Rodney (Rona) Shotpouch—as well as her friend Jenny, who was like family.   She is also loved by the Swancutt family and many other friends and family.

April is preceded in death by her parents Johnson (Connie) Shotpouch and Deb Mittrucker (Ramseyer); her grandparents Mike and Jewel, Roy Ramseyer Sr., Mary Ramseyer; Kevin Shotpouch; uncles Jackson Shotpouch, Gwen Shotpouch; Ralph (Corkey) Ramseyer; and Roy Jr. Ramseyer.