God called our loved one home to Heaven on December 27, 2016 .

Betty Jeannine Zahradnicek was born on November 27, 1930, in Sheridan, Wy, the only child of Hank and Lois (Parr) Frickey. She always preferred simply to be called Jeannine, having been named after the song "I Dream of Jeannine in Lilac Time". She lived and worked her entire life in Sheridan, except for time spent in Gulf Port, MS and Miles City, MT. as an adult.

She attended Sheridan High School, and after graduation married a fellow student, Donald Apperson. With Don, Jeannine had three children: Michael, a baby boy who died in infancy, and Steven. During those years, Jeannine was always described as an excellent homemaker, devoting herself to her family. She and Don later divorced, but she remained a driving force for her children.

In 1978, Jeannine married Edward (Bud) Zahradnicek, another Sheridan resident. Bud is quoted as saying that while in High School, he had loved Jeannine from afar, but she just would not notice him, so he decided to wait. Upon meeting up again in later years, she did take notice of him, and they subsequently married. As a couple, they proceeded to live happily ever after until his death in 2015. Bud's unwavering love for Jeannine is legendary. She was never alone in this life, so Bud will be with her in the next.

Jeannine is preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Donald Apperson, and her second husband Bud Zahradnicek, her eldest son Michael Apperson, her infant son Steven Apperson, her loving Parr aunts, her half-brother Bob Frickey, and extended Kiester family members. She has now rejoined all of her loving family in Heaven.

She is survived by her son Steven (Maggie) Apperson of Story, three grandchildren: Mendi Maes of Laramie, Julie Marquez (Andy) of Rawlins, Scott Apperson of Green River, and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two step-children: Brian (Chris) Zahradnicek of Billings, MT and their two children, Judy (David) Roberts of Dayton and their two children, two half-brothers: Gary (Karen) Frickey and their daughter Ali of Scottsdale, AZ, Dean Frickey of Idaho Falls, ID, two sisters-in-law: Vivian (the late Jim) Miller of Hardin, MT and their children, Letha Kegerreis, daughter Holly and her two children, and multiple Kiester family members. Jeannine's surviving family will await the blessed day when all will reunite with her in Heaven.

Jeannine was a true "go-getter", one who lived life to the fullest in spite of great illnesses in later years. She NEVER considered herself to be old or to be handicapped. She will remain an inspiration to her family, friends, and to all who knew her in Sheridan. Her family would like to express sincere gratitude to all health providers and staff who provided professional care and kindness to Jeannine over the years. ALL of you made her health better in so many ways. Her life was extended and made easier by your help. A special mention, an outpouring of gratefulness, is sent out to Brookdale/Sugarland Ridge Retirement facility for all the specialized care that was given to Jeannine. It is comforting to know that she was happy, felt safe, and called Sugarland home prior to her passing. Thank you!

A memorial chapel service is planned for Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 1:00pm at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 1 So. Tschirgi St. in Sheridan, WY. All who knew Jeannine are welcome to attend and pray with the family.

Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Champion Funeral Home.

The Sheridan Press - Dec. 31, 2016.

The Sheridan Press - Dec. 31, 2016.