Kathleen Eleanor Chappell, born April 15, 1920, entered into her forever home, Heaven, Monday, June 5, 2017. Kathleen was born in Springfield, Missouri and spent most of her early years there living with her maternal grandmother. After her grandmother's passing she spent time moving around with her mom and stepdad as he built roads throughout the states. At 18 years old she moved to Santa Barbara, California to go to nursing school, taking care of an older lady in her spare time to make ends meet. When she finished school she moved to San Francisco, living in the YWCA with fellow nurses while working in a hospital in Benicia. The YWCA is where she was introduced to a young man, Fred H. Chappell, who became her husband in 1943. They raised six children while living in different towns throughout the northern part of California. While raising her children Kathy worked in hospitals in Scotia, Willits, Ukiah and 20+ years in Santa Cruz until her retirement in 1985. She resided in Santa Cruz for 42 years. She loved gardening, especially her rose bushes, (which she brought to Visalia when they moved here), doing her own canning and embroidery. Each year she hand-made a Christmas ornament with a coin sewed inside for each grandchild and then each great as they were born. She was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years Fred, great-granddaughter Tianna Rose and granddaughter Alexa. She is survived by her six children, Betty Chappell, Visalia, Wanda (Bill) Williams, Dos Palos, Peggy Croghan, Santa Cruz, Janet Chappell, Visalia, John (Lynda) Chappell, San Dimas, Elaine (Larry) Lycett, Santa Cruz; her grandchildren Troy, Tim (Christina), Sean, Dawn (Mike), Leah (Carlito), Randi (Red), Will (Tiffany), Brittany (Mark), Sheri (Bill), Brandon (Heidi), Nate (KayD), Ann, Joseph (Kellie), Sam, Ryan (Nicolle), Jeremy (Amanda), Shannon; great-grandchildren Dilan, Bradley, April, Luke, Kara, Ember, Whitney, Courtney, Davonte (Cheyanne) , Jonathan, Julian, Max, Jacob and Jenny June. Many more 'grands & greats' whom she has taken in as her own to love. Nieces and nephews and numerous other family members & friends who will miss her greatly. A celebration of her life will be held July 1st, 2017 at noon @ her church of attendance Sierra Baptist Church 1437 E. Walnut Ave. Visalia.
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA (559) 732-8371.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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