It is with heavy hearts that we share that Betty LaRue Kappler (Jones) passed away peacefully in her home on July 30th, 2025, with her loving husband of 62 years by her side.
Fondly known as “LaRue”, she was born on February 14, 1928 in Alliance, Nebraska to Walter and Mildred (Reid) Jones. LaRue was the second of two children, her older brother Rex being born in 1924.
LaRue always spoke fondly of her childhood growing up in Alliance. Her grandfather was the Sheriff, and her father was the mayor of the then small town (also having worked for the railroad). As a young child, LaRue lived through the Great Depression, survived polio, and a freak carousel accident in which she suffered a broken back. Her tough spirit and family helped her recover and while she spent the remainer of her life with a crooked spine, you’d never know it because she was 6ft 1inch tall!
LaRue graduated from Alliance High School in 1945. From there she proceeded to take business courses (Secretarial) at the Grand Island Business School in Grand Island, Nebraska. LaRue moved to Chicago, then to California to pursue a career in fashion design. Ultimately, she ended up in Denver, CO.
In 1962, she met a young man from the Air Force, fell in love, and married Richard Kappler (Carrollton, OH) on December 29, 1963, in Denver. They made their home in Northglenn, and in 1967 they adopted their daughter, Julie.
LaRue loved her garden and flowers, and while she deemed herself a strict vegetarian/vegan, she did enjoy the occasional fried chicken and potato salad. LaRue also enjoyed music and dancing, dinner theatre, travelling to warmer weather (especially California), playing card games, and spending time with her grandchildren.
LaRue is survived by her devoted husband, Richard Kappler, her loving daughter, Julie Robuck, and her cherished granddaughters, Amber and Cyndi Robuck. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and cousins. Her parents, Walter & Mildred Jones, and her brother Rex Jones, preceded her in death.
LaRue was a woman of resilience and unyielding love for her family. While we mourn her departure, we also celebrate a life well-lived that left an indelible mark on those privileged to have known her.