Rosezella Appelhanz

Rosezella “Rose” Appelhanz, of Topeka, died August 7, 2009 at Stormont-Vail Hospital.

She was born in Topeka, Kansas on November 20, 1929 the daughter of Robert and Margaret (McCoy) Best. 

Rose owned and operated a restaurant in Lampe, Missouri and was also a homemaker.

Rose was a member of Mater Dei Assumption Parish. 

She will be remembered for the quilts she made for her family and the Christmas ornaments she made for her grandchildren.  Rose enjoyed her gambling trips she made with her sister Rita.

She married Theodore J. Appelhanz in Topeka, Kansas on April 7, 1947.  He preceded her in death on January 25, 2007.  She was also preceded in death by a son, Jake Appelhanz on August 25, 2004 and a grandson, Matthew Tarwater on June 10, 2007, four brothers, Robert Austin, Vernon, Roland and Joseph B., and five sisters, Sophia Evans, Catherine Berberick, Mildred Rees, Arel Irene Donnelly and Regina Kent.

Survivors include four sons; Ted Appelhanz (Nancy), David Appelhanz (Diane), Mark Appelhanz (Judy), and Tony Appelhanz (Stephanie) all of Topeka; five daughters, Anne Swanson (Brad) of Winfield, Robin Lawson (Mack) of Lampe, MO., Sandy Franznick (John) of Grapevine, TX., Gayla Garrison (Richard) of Lampe, MO., Lisa Bolton (Shawn) of Topeka, two sisters, Marguerite Etzel and Rita Best both of Topeka, 31 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. 

Mrs. Appelhanz will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Wednesday after 2:00 p.m. where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at Mater Dei Assumption Church.  Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Mater Dei Assumption Parish and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.