Virginia Appley

Funeral service for Virginia Lee Appley will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at Gillette Memorial Chapel in Gillette, WY with Pastor Ed Sisti of the Sunrise Worship Center officiating. Visitation will be Monday, July 6, 2009 from 4-7 p.m. at Gillette Memorial Chapel. Mrs. Appley passed away at her home in Gillette, June 29, 2009 Virginia was born in Gillette, Wyoming, August 19, 1925 the daughter of Oran and Ethel (Elliott) Cooper. While growing up in Campbell County Virginia attended Campbell County Schools and enjoyed 4-H and other activities common to rural youth. She married Herb Gustafson while she was in high school. After Pearl Harbor they moved to Corpus Christi, Texas as Herb had joined the SeaBees. Their first child, Lee, was born there. After World War II they moved back to Gillette where Linda was born. Virginia and Herb divorced in 1946. In 1948 Virginia and Jud Appley eloped to Las Vegas, NV, and then they moved to Wasco CA. Cynthia was born there in 1949. After missing the Blizzard of 49 the family returned to Campbell County. In the early 50s Virginia started her lifetime passion working at the old McHenry Hospital followed by 34 years as a nurses aid at Campbell County Memorial Hospital, first in the original building then the new hospital on the hill. She tended hundreds of newborn babies and their mothers from this area. It was a source of quiet pride and joy for her to have given so much to people who needed care. She also enjoyed yard work and socializing with close friends and family, especially loved were her grandchildren. Five generations of three families still live in Campbell County. In her later life, she very much enjoyed the companionship of her two beloved cats. Virginia is survived by her son H. Lee Appley of Gillette, WY; daughters, Linda Knickerbocker and Cynthia Updike both of Gillette, WY; sisters Bernice Cooper Carlton of Gillette, WY; Dorothy Cooper Molaskey of Greybull, WY; nine grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and five great- great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Jud and parents Oran and Ethel Cooper A memorial are suggested to a charity of ones choice in her name. Memorials and condolences can be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th St., Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences can also be sent via the website www.gillettememorialchapel.com