Joella Apsher Obituary

Joella E. Apsher of Germantown, Ohio, formerly of Rolla, Missouri, passed away on September 12, 2025, at the age of 82. She was born in Kansas City, Kansas, on October 21, 1942, to the late Joel and Louella (Smiley) Byler. Joella was united in marriage to the late Alvin Dean Apsher, and together they shared 53 loving years before his passing in 2016. Their marriage was blessed with four daughters, as well as the many foster children they welcomed into their home with open hearts. After Alvin's passing, Joella moved to Ohio to be near her daughter. A longtime member of Landmark Baptist Church in Rolla, she faithfully served the Lord through her music, often playing both the organ and piano during services when she was able. She taught bible class for young girls for many years. Joella enjoyed many creative talents. She loved crocheting and sewing, making clothing for her daughters-including prom dresses and even a few wedding gowns. She was also an avid reader, lovingly known as a bookworm, and she read her Bible faithfully throughout her life. In her later years, she found joy in collecting dolls. Joella is survived by her daughters, Bethany Crowley and husband Troy, of Germantown, OH, Tamara Sissom and husband Kirk, of Bellflower, MO, LaDonna Midyett and husband Jerry, of Cherryville, MO, and Samatha Cordia and husband Jeribe, of Union, MO; she was a cherished grandmother to Sarah (Tim) Cole, Levi (Katie) Crowley, Nathan (Hailey) Crowley, Gabriel Sissom, Benjamin Sissom, Celeste (Garrett) Crimmins, Wyatt Midyett, Ethan (Carly) Midyett, Jared Midyett, Jacob Midyett, Xander Cordia, Killian Cordia, and Breslin Cordia; and a proud great-grandmother to 10 children with 2 more on the way. She is also survived by her two brothers, JD (Sandy) Byler and Sam (Joyce) Byler. In addition to her parents, Joel and Louella Byler, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Apsher. Funeral services will be held at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. with her grandson, Levi Crowley, officiating. Visitation will be held at the Chapel prior to the service, from 11:30 a.m. until service time.