Obituary of Amanda S. Appell
Amanda S. Appell (29) resident of St. Maries, ID passed away on April 7, 2023 at her home surrounded by family and friends. She was born to Raymond Holmes and Jacqueline (Bauer) Ross on January 12, 1994 in Palm Springs, CA. Born a talented athlete, Amanda participated in Surfing, Volleyball and BMX racing traveling all over the United States for her races. Amanda relocated to Great Falls, MT to join her mother; she graduated Great Falls High School with the class of 2012.
Following high school, Amanda went to work as a waitress at Fuddruckers. She later took a position at N.E.W. Call Center (now known as Asurion) in Customer Service. Her mother became acquainted with a younger man named Kyle Appell while working construction in Spokane. A couple of years later, she was reacquainted with him on a construction job at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, MT. Kyle was introduced to Amanda, and it was love at first sight. The couple made an instant connection, creating a life together for several years before marrying on October 10, 2019, at the Hitching Post in Coeur d' Alene, ID. In 2013, Amanda and Kyle made their home in St. Maries and started a family. Amanda worked as a C.N.A. for Valley Vista Care Center for 4 years, and then she went to Cabin City for 2 years before she decided it was time to quit work and stay at home to care for her children. To help contribute to the family finances, she would pick up a shift or 2 on weekends if she could. She was a hard worker who loved her family fiercely. Sadly, Amanda was diagnosed with cancer, a battle she fought hard for 5 years with her family by her side.
Amanda had a love and passion for the beach and ocean. She was obsessed with sharks and orcas. She had an adventurous spirit and loved the outdoors. Her favorites were kayaking, riding 4 wheelers, hunting, fishing, driving in the woods, and taking her annual girls float trip down the St. Joe River. Amanda also enjoyed antiques and had a pretty impressive collection of old oil lamps. Most importantly, she loved being around her family and friends, always putting her children first.
Amanda is survived by her husband Kyle at their home in St. Maries; children Jax Appell and Ripley Appell both of St. Maries, ID and Brayden Appell of Great Falls, MT; father Ray Holmes of California, Jacqueline (Scott) Ross of Chester, MT; brothers Billy Holmes of Yucaipa, CA and Brandon Holmes of Chester, MT; grandmother Judy Holmes; aunts and uncles Susan Holmes, Karen (Larry) Thompson, and Julie (Greg) Newman; and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Amanda’s life will be at a later date held during her annual girls float trip down the St. Joe River to be announced at a later date.
