Maribelle Frances Appleby

Maribelle “Marty” Frances Appleby (Elliott), age 77, of Burnsville, MN, passed peacefully away on Monday, January 13, 2020. Marty was born on February 23, 1942 in Omaha, NE to Harold and Alberta Elliott who lived in Alvo, NE. The family moved to Weeping Water, NE when she was 3. Her father was an attorney and her mother a teacher. She became a big sister to her brother Richard, then again to her brother Donald. Marty attended K-12th grades at the Weeping Water Public Schools. She was crowned Miss Weeping Water in 1958. She graduated as Valedictorian in May of 1959. Marty attended the University of NE at Lincoln, where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and was selected as a Cornhusker Beauty Queen. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech and Language Pathology and graduated with Distinction. During her senior year she met the love of her life, Donald Douglas Appleby while serving as a Countess of the Aksarben. They married on August 8, 1964. They lived in Omaha where Doug was a cattle salesman at the Omaha Livestock Market and Marty was a speech clinician in the Omaha School District #66. She co-authored a book titled, “Something to Say All Through the Day,” which was used nationally by classroom teachers to enhance speech therapy lessons. While living in Omaha, they had a foster daughter, Lucinda Radebaugh (Ondrak). Marty gave birth to her son, Donald Elliott Appleby, in February 1968 and to her daughter, Dana Marie Appleby Sahlin, in September 1970. The family then moved to Inver Grove Heights, MN in 1971 and then to Burnsville, MN in 1973 and lived there for the next 47 years. Marty was a speech clinician in the Farmington School District (1973) and the Burnsville School District (1976). She retired in 1998. That fall, Marty was diagnosed with Scleroderma. At the time, they gave her 3-5 years. But with advancements in medicine, she was able to live another 21+ years. Despite her limitations she continued to have a zest for life and always stayed positive. In 2007, Doug and Marty bought a condominium in Estero, FL, where they have enjoyed escaping the cold MN winters. Marty was loved by everyone who met her. She had a genuine interest in getting to know others, always asking questions about the other person and remembering what they said! Marty had a wide variety of interests and hobbies. Before her diagnosis she was an avid tennis player, especially enjoying doubles. She was known for the beautiful note cards and calendars she would create and stamp. She even took watercolor classes. She loved to cook and entertain in her home. Marty loved to travel and had been on countless trips, cruises, and adventures. While raising her family, she planned many vacations throughout the United States. She also loved to see the world. Some of the places she visited are: France, England, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Bahamas, Panana Canal and Central America, Hawaii, the Baltic Sea Capitals Cruise, and many trips to New York City. She was an avid learner, especially about the history, art and architecture of the world. Attending concerts, musicals, plays and movies were all things she so enjoyed. Marty loved to play cards, her favorite being bridge; she also enjoyed playing Mah Jongg and Marbles. She was always a thinker and enjoyed crosswords, cryptoquips, Isaac Asimov quizzes, sudoku and puzzles. She was a devoted Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune fan. Marty’s biggest passions were her family and friends. She first became a grandma in 1996, then again in 1999, 2007 and 2011. She adored her grandkids Jacob, Lauren, Caleb and Aiden. She belonged to many groups throughout the years. She always had a very active social calendar: PEO, multiple bridge groups, Junior League, Theta gatherings, book clubs, lunch groups, and church groups (Stephen Ministry, Sister’s Class, Koinonia Circle.) But most importantly she had a strong faith in God. As she put it “I love my God and I think He loves me too.” Marty is preceded in death by parents, Harold and Alberta Elliott; brother, Donald Elliott. Survived by loving husband of 55 years, Donald Douglas Appleby; children, Donald (Susie) Appleby, Dana (Jon) Sahlin; grandchildren, Jacob and Lauren Appleby, Caleb and Aiden Sahlin; brother, Dr. Richard (Gloria) Elliott; sister-in-law, Evelyn Elliott; foster daughter, Lucinda (Chris) Radebaugh; cousins, Ruth Ann (Larry) Bartels and Connie Sue (Harold) Willis; as well as many nieces and nephews. A visitation is scheduled for Friday, February 7 at Washburn McReavy in Bloomington from 4-7pm. 2300 W. Old Shakopee Road. A celebration of life is on Saturday, February 8th at 11:00 with visitation starting at 10:00, at River Hills United Methodist church, with light lunch following. 11100 River Hills Drive, Burnsville, MN. A memorial service is being planned on Saturday, May 23 at 11:00 in Weeping Water, Nebraska at the First Congregational – UCC Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the Minnesota Scleroderma Foundation or River Hills UMC. Scleroderma Foundation, MN Chapter PO Box 240244 Apple Valley, MN 55124 River Hills United Methodist Church 11100 River Hills Drive Burnsville, MN 55337

Tributes

Maribelle Frances Appleby

February 23, 1942 - January 13, 2020

Tributes

Maribelle Frances Appleby

February 23, 1942 - January 13, 2020

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203