Denise Apt

Denise C. Apt, 84, of Iola, Kansas, died Monday, November 3, 2014, at her home. Denise "Denny" was born December 10, 1929, in Maywood, Illinois, the daughter of Lester Richard and Margaret E. (Fawcett) Coleman. Denny grew up in the Chicago, Illinois area. She attended Iowa State University and The University of Arkansas, where in both cases she was the only female engineering student. A profound love of Arkansas was born as a youngster bareback riding through the hills and fields of Northwest Arkansas. On a horse ride, a young man from Kansas sighted her! She married Frederick G. Apt, Jr., in Siloam Springs, Arkansas June 8, 1951. Thus this love of the magical hills of Arkansas developed into a loved second home for Denny and Fred, in Bella Vista, Arkansas, where she leaves numerous friends and acquaintances. They made their home in Iola for most of their married life. Denny was a dedicated community servant who touched many lives through her various educational involvements. She was President of the USD 257 Board of Education for 12 years, elected to the State Board of Education for 3 years and that led to an appointment of an unfulfilled term to the Kansas House of Representatives. She chaired several Education and Agricultural committees during her 3 additional terms. Governor Mike Hayden appointed her as his Aide on Education. She also served on numerous educational and agricultural advisory committees in the years following her terms in the legislature. One of her most favored accomplishments was the introduction of the Kansas Wildlife Art & Stamp Series. She was recognized as Iola's BPW woman of the year, by Ducks Unlimited for contributions to Wildlife Conservation, and by Kansas Agri-Women for numerous contributions to Agriculture and the women Agriculture Program, among her too numerous to mention recognitions and awards. Her parents, her husband and son, Richard C. Apt, preceded her in death. SURVIVORS: 1 Son: Frederick G. Apt III & wife, Janet of Iola, KS 1 Daughter: Barbara Bukaty & husband, Dan of Overland Park, KS 5 Grandchildren: Aleaka Morgan & husband, Carlton, Shawnee, KS; Derick Apt & wife, Callie, Salt Lake City, UT; Jeremy Apt & wife, Monica, Mission, KS; Preston & Harrison Bukaty, Overland Park, KS. 5 Great Grandchildren: Bennett, Coleman & Rowen Morgan, and Stella & Frederick Apt VISITATION: 5:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:00 a.m., Friday, Nov. 7, 2014, at First Presbyterian Church in Iola. BURIAL: Highland Cemetery, Iola, Kansas MEMORIAL CHOICES: Allen County Community College Endowment Association or First Presbyterian Church Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com .