On Saturday, December 23, 2023, Sharon Elaine Baever Apeland, formerly of Bellingham, WA, fell asleep here on earth and woke up in heaven with her husband, Jerry Apeland; her son in love Dave Gagnon and granddaughter Emma Gagnon, as well as all her family and friends that were waiting for her arrival. She will be greatly missed by her children, Troy Apeland and Mandy (Rich) Diers of Moses Lake; three grandchildren, Shaylee Stocker, Nate and Sam Gagnon; 2 great grandsons and many family and friends.
Sharon was the youngest of seven children. Born in April 1944 in Racine, Wisconsin. The family moved westward, stopping in Idaho and eventually settling north of Seattle. In December of 1964, she married Jerry Apeland and they moved to a little farm in Bellingham, WA where they lived until 2006.
They adopted two children – Verna (Mandy) in 1969 and Troy in 1971. The house was open to all their friends, anytime they wanted to come over….she could stretch the meal a little bit more to make sure there was enough (or she’d go without). The farm was filled with animals. Horses, cows, sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, even pigs for a while. There were always cats and dogs.
Sharon joined BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) and started on a lifelong journey of loving and following Jesus. She wanted to build the family in a faith foundation. She was generous to all with her love and support. She was an accomplished pianist, seamstress, crocheter, cook and baker. She loved all animals but mentoring kids made her heart happy.
She was involved with AWANA, her and Jerry starting a club with at Immanuel Bible Church in Bellingham, where they attended many years. They loved their “Kids” and leaders and made sure everyone was welcome.
They were involved in Whatcom County politics for many years and were happy to work in the background – being Precinct Committee Officers, putting up signs, going to meetings, writing letters to the editor.
In 2006, they were off on an adventure, sold the house and downsized to a 5th wheel. They visited many places in the western US but when their health made it impossible to move so much, they settled down in Yuma, AZ near two of Jerry’s sisters. They enjoyed the warmth of the sun without the gray or rainy days.
There will be no services but the family asks if you’d like to honor Sharon you donate to a local church youth group. Even your time would be a great gift!
2 Timothy 2:15 “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”
This obituary was provided by a community member. Any opinions are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher of Whatcom News nor its advertisers or supporters. Information and claims contained within have not been verified.
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