Mary Lou Chapman

Mary Lou Chapman, 87, formerly of rural Parsons, passed away at 3:24 p.m., Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at the home of her daughter in rural Altamont.

She was born on December 9, 1933 in Clements, Kansas to Everett S. and Thelma Grace (Trussell) Berends. In 1946, she moved with her family to the Parsons area, where she attended Valley School. She graduated from Parsons High School in 1952.

On May 29, 1954, she and William F. "Bill" Chapman were married in rural Mound Valley. Mary Lou assisted Bill in farming and raising livestock their entire marriage. She also worked in the dietary department at Parsons State Hospital and Training Center for a number of years, retiring in May 1996. In her retirement she worked 13 years as a Wal Mart greeter.

She was a member of the Mound Valley Christian Church and later attended Altamont Baptist Church. For over 35 years, Mary Lou bowled in the Sunday Night Mixed League, and in 2007, her team won in the Division 7 State Tournament. Mary Lou enjoyed watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports, especially baseball/softball and basketball.

Survivors include:

Two sons – Carl E. Chapman of Mound Valley, Kansas

Allen R. Chapman of Parsons, Kansas

One Daughter – Donna L. Goins and her husband, Deland, of Altamont, Kansas

Nine grandchildren

Fifteen great-grandchildren

One brother – Darrell Berends of Sparks, Nevada

One sister – Thelma Wertz of Parsons, Kansas

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Bill Chapman, on January 4, 2011; one son, William F. Chapman, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Diane Chapman; one brother, Harold Berends; three sisters, Shirley Griffin, Evelyn Cooper and Verna Van Cleave.

The funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 22, 2021, at the First Baptist Church in Altamont. Burial will follow at Mound Valley Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Friends may call to view Mrs. Chapman and sign the register from Noon to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The funeral service can be viewed live on the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home Facebook page.   For all events, social distancing guidelines will be followed, including the requirement of face masks.

Memorials are suggested to Mound Valley Christian Church or First Baptist Church of Altamont. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.