Beth S. Appell

Beth Appell, 98, of Woodway, passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at St. Anthony’s Care Center in Waco. Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 5, at Oakwood Cemetery, with Pastor Dick Wooten officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 4, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home.

Beth was born and raised in Waco. She attended Provident Heights Elementary and North Junior High School and graduated from Waco High School in 1942.

She also attended 4C Business College. After graduating from 4C, she went to work for the Texas Highway Department, which is now TxDOT, as a secretary. She met and married the love of her life, Johnny Appell in 1944. They were married for 66 years preceding Johnny’s death in 2011. Beth was an excellent seamstress and over the years, made many clothes for herself and her daughter and friends. She was involved in the LEAP Foundation and made more than 500 medicine bags to distribute on medical mission trips. Beth was a member of First United Methodist Church in Waco, where she was recently honored for being the oldest living member of the church. She was a member of the church for 87 years prior to her death. Beth was very active in her church over the years teaching Sunday School for kids and working in the nursery. Beth was a stay-at-home mom and participated in many school activities with her children growing up. During her three years at St. Anthony’s Care Center, she was an avid reader and read over 200 books.

Beth was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Elizabeth Hope; brother, Jim Sample; nephew, Bob Sample; and her loving husband of 66 years, Johnny Appell.

Survivors include her son, John Appell, of Waco; daughter, Suzanne Appell, of Waco; brother, Rusty Sample and wife, Carole, of Waco; nephews, Gary Sample, of Ponder, Texas, and David Sample, of Garland, Texas; and cousins, Elree and Martha Len Griffin of Rowlett, Texas.

Honorary pallbearers will be Rusty Sample, Gary Sample, David Sample, Tommy Barnett, Tommy Patrick, and Baxter Johns.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels at First Methodist Church of Waco.

A special thanks goes to the administration and staff of St. Anthony’s Care center, along with nurses Leigh Ann, Melissa, and Margaret. A special thanks also goes to Providence Hospice for their loving care of our mother, especially to R.N. Kathy Davis.