Helen M. Appelt, 84, of Hallettsville, passed away Dec. 1, 2011. She was born on May 3, 1927 to Joseph F. & Annie Cejka Zaruba Sr. in Sublime. She married James "Smokey" Appelt on Oct. 27, 1948 in Hallettsville. Before her health fail, she worked at L.A.M.B. (Lavaca Assistance Ministry Body) Thrift Shop, and was a member of the Sacred Heart Bereavement Committee and Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville.

Helen was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and cared for family deeply. For most of her life, Helen was a homemaker, who loved to cook, bake, sew and quilt. Some of her specialties were making pickles, iced tea and apple pies, among other tasteful foods. She loved polka music and enjoyed listening to it on the radio or on CD's.

Helen was a huge fan of her grandchildren's activities that included sports and other school functions. She would beam with pride when they achieved some type of an accomplishment. When her family came over to visit, Helen loved playing "42" or straight dominoes or "Spoons" with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing card games with her friends. Helen was a devoted Houston Astros and Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoyed watching them on television every chance she got.

Helen was a loving, caring woman that will greatly be missed.

Helen is survived by: 3 sons, Jimmy (Marcie) Appelt, Mike (Darlene) Appelt of Hallettsville, and Gary (Ginny) Appelt of Richmond; daughter Jo Ann (Todd) Schindler of Hallettsville; 10 grandchildren; Jeff Appelt of Ashburn, Va., Clint Appelt of Houston, Toni (Jason) Korthauer of San Antonio, Blake Appelt of San Antonio, Chelsea (Clayton) Wimberly of Hallettsville, Ky (Adam) Nesloney of Rockport, McKenzi and Madison Schindler of Hallettsville, Tori Appelt of Hallettsville, and Kristin Appelt of San Diego, Calif.; 4 great grandchildren, Brennan and Mckenna Appelt of Ashburn, Va., and Chandler and Jace Wimberly of Hallettsville; brother Frank Zaruba and sister Annie Mae Technik of Hallettsville.

Helen was preceded in death by: her husband James "Smokey"; parents; and 2 brothers, Joe Jr. and Robert Zaruba.

Funeral Mass Service: 2 pm, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 4 pm, Saturday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 7 pm, Saturday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Pallbearers: Jeff Appelt, Clint Appelt, Blake Appelt, Jason Korthauer, Clayton Wimberly, and Adam Nesloney. Honorary Pallbearers: Chelsea Wimberly, Ky Nesloney, McKenzi Schindler, Madison Schindler, Tori Appelt, Kristin Appelt, Toni Korthauer, Brennan Appelt, Mckenna Appelt, Chandler Wimberly, and Jace Wimberly. Memorial: Kidney Foundation or Donor's Choice. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.