Ralph Apodaca

Ralph Apodaca was born in Fort Collins on April 13, 1932, at Poudre Valley Hospital to Daniel and Fedelina Apodaca. He was raised in Windsor and Fort Collins. On Aug. 18, 1951, he married Bertha Martinez in Fort Collins. Ralph was much admired for his strength and love that he gave to all who knew him. He had the most amazing sense of humor. He was a painter for 35 years. He was very active with Holy Family Church, Knights of Columbus, Cursillo, Fiesta Committee, Usher and with the Parish Council committee. Ralph and his wife gave preparation classes for marriage. His hobbies were fishing, hunting, camping, painting, gardening and squirting his grandchildren when they least expected it with the water hose while watering his lawn. For Mr. Apodaca, his family came first. He loved spending time talking, joking and laughing with his family. He was a loving husband, devoted father, beloved brother, proud grandfather and a friend to all who knew him. Mr. Apodaca will be dearly missed by his loving wife, children and everyone he touched and loved. He died at McKee Medical Center in Loveland. Survivors include his wife, Bertha, his soulmate of 55 years, their partnership remains until they meet again in heaven; his sister, Chela Sandoval of Windsor; six daughters, Ruth Parker Mike of Windsor, Doris Carroll Jim of Fort Collins, Sandy Hopper of Fort Collins, Andrea Manzanares Elmer of Fort Collins, Rosella Barella Toby of Fort Collins, and Leona Luna Don of Loveland; two sons, Steve Apodaca of Thornton and Andy Apodaca Betsy of Windsor. He has 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Dan Apodaca, Fred Apodaca and John Apodaca; and a sister, Agneda Valadez. Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Holy Family Catholic Church. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Holy Family Catholic Church. Interment at Resthaven Cemetery, 100 E. County Road 30. Contributions can be made to Hospice of Larimer County in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Fort Collins, CO 80524.

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Ralph Apodaca

December 8, 2006