Helen Chappell

Born November 8, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Ida McClain. On August 10, 1946, she married Marshall Chappell. They moved to Ralls, TX, where they raised their three children: Sharron, David, and Maggie. They eventually left Ralls and moved to several different areas of Texas before settling in Midland. Helen worked as a crossing guard for a number of years, but found her true calling after retirement, raising her grandchildren.

She loved fishing, cultivating gardens, and working on anything that helped her express her creative spirit. She opened Helen’s Plaster Shop, where she held classes and masterfully crafted hundreds of porcelain and ceramic works of art. Ladies would come from all over Midland to attend her classes, and she received numerous awards and recognition for her ability to create life-like porcelain dolls.

After sixty years of marriage, Marshall passed away on December 4, 2006. Determined to make the best of the situation, she went on living her life to the fullest. She got up every morning and ate breakfast at El Banquete, then went to “work” at the Midland Senior Citizens Center. Her days were spent beating everyone at cards or dominoes, and assembling countless puzzles, most of which she mounted and sold to raise the money to buy more. Being the social butterfly that she was, she never met a stranger, and was always prepared with at least one joke, which was probably a little inappropriate. Throughout her life people got to know her as being ornery, cantankerous, and fun-loving, but above all, she always made sure she never took life too seriously.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall Chappell, daughter, Maggie Stigen, and son-in-law, Tommy Mullens.

She is survived by her son David Chappell and wife Bobbie of Midland, TX, daughter Sharron Mullens of Paris, TX, and son-in-law J.J. Lands of Midland, TX. Helen also had seven grandchildren- Kim Mullens of Paris, TX, Tammy Rowland and husband Jimmy of Pairs, TX, Heather Windsor and husband Jeremy of Anthem, AZ, Jonathan Chappell and wife Allison of Carrollton, TX, Nathan Chappell and wife Krista of Midland, TX, Christy Bourke of Kansas City, MO, and Winde Stegall and husband Michael of Midland, TX. Helen was blessed with ten great grandchildren: Josh and Teia Mullens of Pairs, TX, Ava and Breanna Windsor of Anthem, AZ, Connor Brizendine of Carrollton, TX, Adrien Salyers and Christian and Kaydence Chappell of Midland, TX, and Luke and Elizabeth Stegall of Midland, TX.

Her legacy will live on through her best friends J.J., Elsa, Pat, and all of the lifelong friends she made at the Midland Senior Citizens Center.

Visitation will be on Sunday, December 4, 2016, from 2pm-4pm at Ellis Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 5, 2016, at 1pm at Ellis Funeral Home, with a graveside service to follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Online condolence may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com