Obituary of Leona Delphene Chapin

Leona Delphene (Kempton) Chapin, 87, of Remus, passed away on Friday, October 12, 2018. Leona was born February 19, 1931, in Tustin, Michigan to Harold David Kempton and Gladys Elva (Smith) Kempton.

In the spring of 1932, they moved to the family farm in Sylvester, Michigan. Leona graduated valedictorian from Lakeview High School in 1949.

On January 1, 1950 she married the love of her life, Joel Calvin Chapin. They settled on Joel’s family farm near Remus and Leona continued working at the Bank of Lakeview until starting her family. She then spent many years as a hard-working partner on the farm-milking cows, feeding calves, helping in the fields, and keeping the books.

Leona and Joel were faithful and active members of Halls Corners United Methodist Church, and, later, charter members of New Hope United Methodist Church. She served many years as pianist, Sunday School teacher, lay leader, United Methodist Women’s leader and other leadership roles too numerous to mention.

Other activities included county and state Farm Bureau positions, 4-H leadership, the Community Mental Health Board and volunteering for Hospice. Leona was also a talented seamstress who made all of her children’s clothes for many years, later becoming an accomplished quilter.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Joel, in March of 1988.

She married C.G. Chapin in 1993 and they spent many happy years traveling, wintering in Florida, and spending time with family. They continued to live at the farm and enjoyed driving around in their Kawasaki Mule looking for wildlife and watching the farm activities. C.G. also preceded her in death in August of 2014. 

Also preceding her in death were brother, Lewis Kempton, daughter, Sally Jo, granddaughter Beth Geelhoed, and son-in-law, Donald Kohl.

Leona will forever be remembered for her humble spirit, her generous heart, her unique laugh and genuine smile. 

Surviving Leona are:

Son, Douglas (Cheri) Chapin, daughters Deborah (Bruce) Geelhoed, Janet (Lyle) Ball, Charlene Kohl (Ron Ranshaw), Susan (Gary) Cone, Joellen (James) Anderson, Sandra (Brian) Hatchew. 

Grandchildren: Marc Geelhoed, Steven Geelhoed, Joel (Pam) Ball, Jerry (Tammy) Ball, John (Brooke) Ball, Jenn (Andy) Marfio, Rachel Kohl (Jim Elie), Ryan (Jill) Kohl, Shawn (Shannon) Cone, Jason (Carolynn) Cone, Elizabeth (Jeff) Kauffman, Ben (Alicia) Chapin, Sam (Micah) Chapin, Will Chapin, Zachary (Kacey) Anderson, Taylor (Emily) Anderson, Eli Anderson, Abram Anderson, Amanda (Brandon) Goodfellow, Zane Carey. Also, 34 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren, and sister Leora Flynn, sister Juanita (David) Lewis, and brother Arnold (Isabel) Kempton.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, October 16 from 2:00 to 4:00 and from 6:00 to 8:00. Her funeral will be held Wednesday, October 17 at 11:00, followed by interment at Lakeview Cemetery. A luncheon will follow, with all held at New Hope United Methodist Church, 7296 9 Mile Road, Mecosta. Pastor Greg Buchner and Pastor Lyle Ball will be officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to New Hope United Methodist Church.