Cheri was born in Troy on May 16,1948 to the late Laura Evelyn and Dan Hataway. She attended Auburn University before marrying Ronny Apel in 1968 and moving to Cullman. Cheri’s proudest accomplishment was raising her two sons, attending all their sporting events and creating a memorable childhood for them while supporting her husband, Ronny, as he grew the family business. Cheri was an Auburn fan who married into a family of Alabama fans; however, to her great delight, she raised two Auburn fans who then each married Auburn fans, resulting in an almost entirely Auburn family. One of Cheri’s greatest joys was being “Ri” to her 6 grandchildren. Cheri was committed to her family and enjoyed spending time with them and expressing her love through creating. Cheri’s creative gifts were countless but most notably: She was a fantastic cook who loved preparing special dishes for her family, always making their favorite dessert for their birthdays Her artistic talents were many as she enjoyed smocking, hand embroidering, and French hand sewing custom heirloom clothing for her grandchildren and painting ceramic pieces to gift to others. Having exceptional decorating talents, she created liveable and beautiful spaces for her family to enjoy, both at home and at the beach. She will forever be cherished as a wife, friend, and mother and was a source of inspiration for all who had the privilege of knowing her. Cheri was preceded in death by her parents, as well as Ronny’s parents; Arthur and Maebell Apel. Cheri is survived by her husband Ronny Apel; sons Hank (Julie) Apel and Kurt (Megan) Apel of Cullman, AL; grandchildren Gracie, Tucker, John Henry, Brant, Macey, and William Apel of Cullman, AL; sister Carole (Rex) McDaniel of Ozark; brother-in-law John (Marie) Apel; sister-in-law Cheri Dalgleish; and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church, 512 Second Avenue SE, Cullman, AL 35055, on Sunday, October 29, 2023. Visitation begins at 1:00; funeral service begins at 3:00. Graveside service to follow at Cullman City Cemetery, 821 Lessman Circle, Cullman, AL 35055. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent to St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church, Mission 150!, 512 Second Avenue, SE, Cullman, AL 35055.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mossservicefh.com for the Apel family.
