June 2, 1933 ~ March 31, 2020
Mary Jane’s life began on June 2, 1933, in Wichita, KS. She was the daughter of Lester and Margaret (Baker) Bowles. Mary Jane was welcomed home by her older sister, Helen. She was educated in Wichita and Friendswood, TX., and was a graduate of Wichita North High School. After high school, she continued her education and graduated from Friends University. Mary Jane was united in marriage to the love of her life, Raymond L. Appel on August 28, 1954 in Wichita at Friends University Church.
Mary Jane was employed as a kindergarten teacher until she was ready to begin their family. After starting her family, she and Raymond moved to Raymond‘s family farm near Corbin, KS. They raised three sons and one daughter there. Her life was filled with caring for Randy, Steven, Karen and Roger. The one thing Mary Jane valued besides Jesus was family. She hosted numerous family Thanksgiving dinners over the years that included her sister, Helen and her family. These get-togethers created life long memories for all.
Her family’s long Quaker heritage instilled in Mary Jane a strong faith in Christ. After moving to the farm, the Corbin United Methodist Church then became a large part of Mary Jane’s life. In addition to attending church regularly, she enjoyed belonging to the United Methodist Women’s group. Highlights of the church were joining together with others to put on the annual Turkey Dinner and playing bells with the bell choir. Mary Jane along with Raymond enjoyed playing cards with a community card club.
Mary Jane loved to play all games with her children and grandchildren. She was quite competitive when it came to croquet. You had to bring your A game if you wanted a chance to beat her, which didn’t happen often. Mary Jane’s other interests involved attending anything that involved her children and grandchildren. She loved her family and put them above all else.
Mary Jane passed away Tuesday March 31, 2020, at the age of 86 in the care of Reflection Living Senior Living Homes, Wichita, KS and was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Helen Sommers. She is survived by her husband, Raymond; their children: Randy (Sandra), Wichita, Steven (Diane), Wichita, Karen Langemeier (Scott), Stromsburg, NE, and Roger (Rochelle), Derby; 10 grandchildren, Amanda Appel, Emily Graybill (Joe), Stacey Vanderhoff (Joe), Cody Appel, Tacy Snyder (Andrew), Jenna Hampton (Kyle), Brooke Langemeier, Brady Langemeier, Nicole Appel, and Brianna Appel; 4 great grandchildren: Lauren and Logan Vanderhoff, Eiley Snyder, and Bethany Graybill; and 4 nieces and nephews.
Private graveside service and burial at Bethany Cemetery, Perth, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary Jane’s name have been established with the Corbin United Methodist Church and the Alzheimer’s Association in Wichita. Memorials may be sent in care of Schaeffer Mortuary, 6 N Main, Caldwell, KS 67022.
Visitation will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday.
Leave Condolences
Condolences
I am so sorry for your loss!
Sarah Yunker - 04/02/2020
I am so sorry for your loss! Thinking of you all at this time!!
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Mary Jane Appel families
Rhonda ( Love ) Mock - 04/02/2020
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Appel and all the family! Many great memories of school, church, music and babysitting!!! Loved Mary Jane—-she was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother!!
Please keep the memories alive and shared! Rhonda ( Love ) Mock
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Prayers
Russ Ginn - 04/02/2020
Thoughts and prayers for a great Corbin family. Fond memories of Mary Jane as one of the nicest and most pleasant people I've had fortune of knowing. God rest her soul and relieve pain for your loss until we see each other again.
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Prayers from the Fuchs family
Karen Fuchs - 04/02/2020
Mary Jane was one of the sweetest people I have ever known! One of the first to welcome me to Corbin after joining with their kids in the MYF! I am so sorry to hear of this news and my hugs, thoughts and prayers go out to Ray and all of the family! ❤️
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Neighbor's
Barbara Rice - 04/03/2020
So many wonderful memories of our neighbors down the road. Growing up together, wheat harvests, Corbin church, 4-H. Driving to school on freezing mornings in whatever vehicles we could get started!. We loved Mary Jane. Thinking of you, Ray, Randy, Steve, Karen, Roger, and families. The Rice's were truly blessed to have you as our neighbors and lifelong friends.
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