April Dawn VanTassel was born on October 9, 1971, to Bobby Leroy VanTassel and Candice Dawn (Hopper) VanTassel in Columbia MO.

It was discovered early in April’s life that she was born with Angelman’s Syndrome, a rare disorder that left her unable to speak and left her intellectually at a toddler’s age. Despite this diagnosis, April was able to enthusiastically participate in Special Olympics, attend school, and eventually graduate from Hood River Valley High School with the Class of 1991. Even though her condition caused her world to be smaller than most, her world was a happy one.

She loved bright colors, laughing at the antics of the family dog or backyard squirrels, and trips to the beach or zoo with her parents. She loved it when her sister Debbie drove her through Schreiner Farms to see their exotic animals. She could usually be found at home laughing at videos she’d seen a hundred times or clapping along to a revival on TV.

April was a daddy’s girl and adored her father Bobby until his passing in 2000. She also loved her mom, grandma, sister, and three nephews. Family gatherings were always a highlight for her. What April didn’t like was hats. Anyone wearing a hat in the house learned not to do it again. Getting your hat back from her Kung-fu grip was nearly impossible. Above all, April loved everything about Christmas. She loved the family, the movies, the music, the bright lights, Santa Claus, and especially opening gifts-even those that weren’t hers! Because of her love for Christmas, it was fitting that she left this earthly life at Christmas time. April passed away suddenly from cancer, surrounded by loving family, on Friday, December 23rd.

April was preceded in death by her father, Bobby, and her Grandparents James and Marjorie Hopper. She now sits in her Heavenly Father’s presence, eternally singing his praises in the perfect voice she couldn’t use on earth.

April is survived by her devoted mother Candice VanTassel, her loving sister and brother-in-law Debbie and Nate Larson, and her nephews Jonathan Larson of Vancouver, WA; Jeffrey Larson of Washington, DC; and Joshua Larson of Hood River, as well as a great-nephew that has yet to arrive. She is also survived by her half-sisters Rhonda and Vicki of Kerman CA, and an extensive family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family wishes to thank the compassionate and professional care given by Mid-Columbia Medical Center, Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue, City of The Dalles Police, and Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home.

April, we miss you. Your life mattered.