Betty A. Chapman, Beloit
March 14, 1938 - September 15, 2021
Betty Ann (Downs) Chapman, 84, passed away at Mitchell County Hospital, Beloit on September 15, 2021. Betty Ann was born to James Louis Downs and Mary Catherine (Burns) Downs in Bardstown, KY. Betty's mother passed away in 1948, when Betty was just 10 years old. Louis married Vivian Downs who became a kind and tenderhearted mother to Betty. Ronnie Joseph was later born to this union.
Betty attended college at Nelson County Community College in Bardstown earning her teaching degree.
Betty met Fred Leroy Chapman during his training for the United States Army while stationed at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. They were married in Bardstown on July 18, 1959 and made their home on the family farm in Beloit. Fred and Betty had three daughters, Debbie, Catherine and Susan, and thus the adventures began! There was lots of RV travel, camping, boating, birthday parties, harvests and festivals, reunions, and following their daughters' many interests.
Betty worked for many local companies throughout Beloit including municipal airport, the Beloit Daily Call, Beloit Elementary School, and as she is best remembered, one of the best cooks at Mitchell Co. Hospital. The job she loved the most was being a loving wife and nurturing mother.
After retirement, Betty and Fred travelled by RV to many places including Michigan, Pennsylvania, Canada, the Dakotas, Colorado, New York, Kentucky and Tennessee. They lived many winters in Arizona, then throughout the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, finally settling in their beloved home at Wagon City in Mission, Texas. There they participated in talent shows, jams, entertainment, dancing, potluck dinners (Mom's famous meatloaf was always a hit), swimming, shuffleboard, golf cart parades and her favorite, bingo!
Mom will always be remembered for her kind and patient spirit, her devotion to Fred and her pure love for her children and grandchildren.
God says, "Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Godspeed, Mom. Tell everyone in heaven hello from us.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents and in-laws Amos and Alma Chapman; her brothers Donnie Downs and Jimmie Downs; nephew Jimmie Downs; her son-in-law Richie Wallace; her twin stillborn granddaughters and many aunts and uncles who provided love and guidance over the years.
Betty is survived by her loving husband Fred of the home, Beloit; brother and wife Sue and Ron Downs of Boston, KY; sister-in-law Shirley (Roger) Boucek and nephew Troy Boucek; daughters Deb (Brian) Scofield of Mission, TX, Cathy Wallace, Mission, TX, and Sue (Gary) Bouley Clifton, KS; grandchildren Brittney Bouley McAllen, TX and Brady Bouley, Sabetha, KS. Betty also has a large Kentucky and Tennessee family filled with many devoted nieces and nephews - Donnie Downs, Kenny Downs, Donna Casey, Bobby Downs, Matthew Downs and Rebecca Downs, and numerous cousins and Beloit friends. Betty was well loved by everyone she touched. She is one of God's special chosen angels.
Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 21 at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place. Friends may sign the register book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, September 20 at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to the Beloit First United Methodist Church.
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