Betty Anne Appel Wandell, wife of Jim Wandell, passed peacefully at home on October 4, 2024.  Betty Anne was born on April 12, 1942 to William R. (Billy) Appel and Marianne Stender Appel in Denver, CO.

Betty Anne and Jim were married for over 64 years.  Their children are Barbara (Ray) Manzanares of Hayden, Sharon (Daren) Clever of Phippsburg, Steve Wandell of Phippsburg, and Jackie (Don) Hayes of Hayden.  Grandchildren Tyler (Leslie) Manzanares of Hayden, Calla Manzanares of Hayden, Will Baird of California, Kaitlynn Hayes (Fiancé' Lane) and Keenan Hayes of Hayden.  Great Grandchildren Kelbee, Kyson and Bennett.

Betty Anne was raised on the family ranch on Twenty Mile.  She attended Hilton Gulch country school.  In 1954 the family moved from the ranch in to town so the children could attend Steamboat Schools.  Betty Anne graduated from Steamboat High School in 1960.  Growing up, Betty Anne participated in 4-H, showing sheep, and Farmer's Union.  She helped her parents on the ranch and being the oldest of eight children, helped care for her younger siblings.

Betty Anne lived in Steamboat for much of her life except for a few years they traveled for Jim's work.  Betty Anne and Jim owned and operated Wandell Excavating for over 50 years together.  At times Betty Anne could be found driving a truck or operating a backhoe in addition to keeping the books for the business.  Grandma Betty Anne could be seen toting, whichever grandchildren she might have that day, running parts or getting permits for the business.  In addition to working beside her husband and son in the business, Betty Anne loved to garden.  She raised vegetables, fruits, bushes, and lots of flowers!  Betty Anne loved her animals.  Over the years she had pet rabbits, dogs, cats, cattle, horses, Llama's, and a pheasant.

Betty Anne is survived by her husband, children, and their families.  In addition, she is survived by her siblings, Carl, Carolyn, Janet, Dale, Debbie and Marlene, Aunt and Uncle Shirley and Richard Stone, Aunt Larae Stender, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held 1pm, Saturday, October 19th at the Haven Community Center in Hayden. Donations can be made to the Routt County Humane Society .