Aprel Melder

Aprel Melder, age 54, passed away on January 23.

Aprel lived her life un-apologetically herself. She loved a good shopping trip, traveling whenever she could, singing at the top of her lungs, and making silly videos just to make someone laugh. One of her greatest joys was calling the people she loved and talking for hours about absolutely everything-and nothing at all. If you were on the phone with Aprel, you knew you mattered.

She had a big heart, a strong personality, and a presence you couldn't ignore. Aprel showed her love loudly and often, and she never held back from being exactly who she was. She was fiercely devoted to her family and found her greatest happiness in being surrounded by the people she loved.

She is survived by her daughters, Brittany Bradley, Kaitlin Bradley, and Shayla Melder; her sisters, Dea Steward and Tina Logsdon; her brothers-in-law, Robby Steward and Gary Logsdon; her nieces and nephews, Ryan, Kristen, Kayla, Amber, Andrew, and Jesse; and her favorite person of all-her beloved grandson, Jaxson, who brought her immeasurable joy.

Aprel will be remembered for her laughter, her voice raised in song, her love, her phone calls that lasted far too long, and the way she left an impression on everyone she met. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

And if love can reach beyond this life, she knows just how deeply she mattered.