Mary Ann Applebee

A Life Well Lived

Mary Ann Applebee passed away peacefully in Walla Walla, Washington, after a courageous 10-year journey with Alzheimer's disease. She was 87. Born in Loup City, Nebraska, on June 14, 1938, on Flag Day. Mary Ann lived a life defined by devotion to family, friendship, service, and celebration.

Mary Ann met the love of her life, Don Applebee, while working at Birdseye the summer after graduating from St. Patrick's. They married in January 1957. Together, they built a joyful life centered around their five children, who were truly the heart of everything she did.

A gifted family and social event planner extraordinaire, Mary Ann had a special talent for creating memories. Christmas was her favorite time of year, filled with laughter, traditions, and spirited games of spoons and marbles, and eating her famous apple pies. Family vacations to South Dakota and the coast were meticulously planned adventures-every stop along the way designed to keep everyone entertained.

Her creativity extended beyond her own family. She organized backyard carnivals for neighborhood kids, hosted Camp Fire luaus, and faithfully attended sporting events for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She made sure summers were always full of fun, with YMCA memberships, days at Memorial Pool, and summer movie passes to the Liberty Theater.

She cherished her time with Don, especially their beloved "left and right" car rides, sometimes joined by lucky grandchildren, affectionately called her Grami, who loved spending time with them. She and Don belonged to a longstanding card group with the same friends and family for years, and Mary Ann hosted a New Year's card party every year. She also loved playing Bingo weekly with a close group of friends.

Mary Ann dedicated 26 years of service to the Washington Odd Fellows, retiring from the activities department. She was honored as Washington State Activities Director of the Year and held many offices with the Lady Elks, IOOF Rebekahs, and Altrusa. When her children were young, she also served as an event coordinator with Camp Fire, always giving her time and talents to others.

Mary Ann is survived by her children Viki Hendrickson (Jeff), Don Applebee Jr., Tim Applebee (Rhonda), and Val Cole (Rich); Ana Leisle; her brother Melvin Peters; grandchildren, Jake Hendrickson (Charissa), Emilee Cannone (Anthony), Austin, Evan, and Jonah Applebee, Jaimee Hughes (Steven), Koby Cole (Jenn), Hailee Rogers (Greg), Dustin and Keilsee Leisle.

Great-grandchildren, Jacoby, Hudson, and Boston Hendrickson, Taylor Hamada, Berlin, Hunter, and Reece Hughes, Karter and Conner Cole, Charlotte and Cole Rogers, Kayelynn Leisle.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don Applebee Sr.; her mother, Margaret Grudzinski Nesteby; father, Julius Peters; she was raised by her stepfather, Clifford 0. Nesteby Sr.; her brothers, Robert, Cliff, and Larry; and her sisters, Loretta, Judi, and Betty.

With deep gratitude, the family thanks her daughter, Valerie, who lovingly ensured Mary Ann's care over the past seven years at the Washington Veterans Home - Memory Care. The entire family wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Kirkman House for their compassion and wonderful care.

Mary Ann's life was one of connection, joy, and intentional love. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she created, the laughter she inspired, and the generations who carry her spirit forward.

Celebration of life will be held in the spring.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.