Dean F. Apt

Apt, Dean F. Passed away peacefully on May 18, 2013 surrounded by love, family and friends. He was born in South Bend, IN on April 23, 1925 to Stacy Edward and Minnie Florence Apt. Dean married the love of his life, Rita L. Zelmer, on May 28, 1949 in South Bend. They lived and raised their three children there until moving to Rio Rancho, NM in 1979. Soon after their move to NM, they became charter members of Rio Rancho United Methodist Church. He lived his life surrounded by music, playing his organ, and collecting and listening to an impressive library of big band jazz recordings. His motto and advice to everyone was, �Always have a smile on your face and a song in your heart!� He spent most of his working career as an accountant, working for several businesses in IN and NM. Dean came from a close family of 12 children, and spending time with those he loved was one of his greatest joys. From babies to old folks, he attracted the love of everyone he met. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Rita. He is also survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Rick Reynolds of South Bend, IN; his daughter and son-in-law, Deanna and Jeff Barrier of Buckeye, AZ; and his son and daughter-in-common law Kirk Apt and Keith Frates of Fruita, CO; five grandchildren and a wonderful network of four generations of nieces and nephews also survive. Our family would like to express our most sincere gratitude to Dad�s caregivers. Most significant among these are his beloved nieces and nephews-in-law, Cindy and David Keylon, and Char and Dick Goff. Also Kerry, Geri, Kat, Pam and all of the staffs at Footprints, Fairwinds Rio Rancho, and Harmony Hospice were so dedicated to maintaining his quality of life and dignity in his latter days. A Memorial Service is planned for Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Rio Rancho United Methodist Church at 1652 Abrazo Rd, NE, Rio Rancho, NM. In lieu of flowers, our family invites you to make a donation in memory of Dean to Rio Rancho United Methodist Church, 505-892-0404 and/or Harmony Hospice at www.harmonyhomehealth.com. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-892-9920