Gloria Helen Appelhof

Gloria Helen Appelhof was born September 9, 1932, in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Julian and Cecilia Chavez. She passed away peacefully at her home in Selah surrounded by loved ones on Friday November 8th at the age of 92.

In 1941 Gloria moved to Los Angeles, California and she graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School with her diploma in 1951. Her first son, Michael was born in 1954 followed by Tony in 1957. In 1959 she married the love of her life, Donald Appelhof Sr. and she had another baby boy named David the same year. In 1961 Donald Jr. was born. During this time Gloria was a homemaker raising her 4 boys. They fondly remember her making special birthday cakes and decorating them for each of them. In 1974 she was surprised with baby boy number 5, Paul. Soon after Paul’s arrival Gloria was not only taking care of her family but her aging parents as well.

She had always enjoyed taking care of others. In 1982 with Donald Sr.’s health declining, they decided to move to Washington State. In 1984 they purchased a house in Selah where they lived until his death in 1991. In 1988 Gloria was awarded her CNA license from Yakima Valley Community College allowing her to work in many nursing homes in the area.

She found she especially loved taking care of the elderly. It also gave her the caretaking skills she would soon use towards her ailing husband. After his death she found joy in her grandchildren and accompanying other seniors on Accent Tours.

Gloria loved dancing, listening to music, hot chocolate with whipped cream, and her dog Sandy.

Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald, and her brothers Robert and Julian. She is survived by her one surviving brother Andrew, 5 sons Mike (Donna), Tony, David (Alisa), Donald (Jeannie), Paul (Ashley), numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday November 19th from 3:00-7:00 at Keith and Keith Funeral Home 902 W Yakima Ave in Yakima. A graveside service will follow Wednesday November 20th at Terrace Heights Memorial Park at 10:00 AM 3001 Terrace Heights Drive in Yakima.

A special thank you to Donald and Jeannie for taking care of Gloria towards the end of her life. A special thank you to Yakima MultiCare Hospice and Visiting Angels for helping to make Gloria’s last days more comfortable.