Obituary of Leora Ann Chapin-Flynn

Leora Ann (Kempton) Chapin-Flynn, 89, of Mecosta, passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2019. Leora was born December 21, 1929, 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.

Leora graduated from Lakeview High School in 1948 and married Ray W. Chapin on June 26. Shortly after, they embarked on a journey to Alaska via the Alcan Highway with Ray’s cousin Kenneth, Kenneth’s wife, and their two small children. The men worked in the lumber industry for a season before the group returned home. 

That adventure set the stage for a marriage filled with partnership. Leora and Ray worked together on their farm, raised three children, loved to go dancing, and drove all over the country visiting friends and family. They were married for almost 49 years. 

Leora was always doing something—even sitting down her hands were busy knitting, crocheting, sewing, or quilting. Sheloved to be outside tending to her vegetable garden and many flowers or in the kitchen canning and cooking. 

A strong farm girl and hard worker, Leora was as comfortable in a dress and heels as she was in gardening gloves. She worked asa Program Assistant at the USDA/FSA office in Big Rapids and retired in 1989.  

Leora was the ultimate caregiver to her family and may have been happiest taking care of others. She was a loving, friendly,and selfless person who could make anyone feel at home.  She loved having company and never said goodbye. Instead, she’d say, “Come again” and she meant it. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Ray Chapin on April 19, 1997. 

She married Ray Flynn in 1999 and they spent 17 happy years together. Ray preceded her in death on May 15, 2016. 

Also preceding her in death were her brother, Lewis Kempton, and sister, Leona Chapin.

Surviving Leora are:

Son, Daniel Chapin, daughters Nancy (Matthew Lutz) Oberlin, Sheila Chapin.  Grandchildren: Trevor (Brenda) Morgan, TeashaPayne, Courtney (DJ Perry) Chapin, Collin (Jenny) Chapin Tovey, Keegan Chapin Tovey, Cassady Chapin, Kyle Lutz. Great-grandchildren: Kyler Payne, Madison Morgan, BramynPayne. A great-great grandchild due this spring, sister Juanita (David) Lewis, and brother Arnold (Isabel) Kempton.

Leora expanded her family through her infinite capacity for love and care. She is also survived by Thomas (Sunny) Bixby who was like a second son, ex-daughter-in-law Sandra Chapin, step-children and step-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 19 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, February 20 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. with funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. and luncheon afterward. All will be held at Sylvester Community Church, 8320 5 Mile Road, Mecosta. Interment will be at Morton Township Cemeteryfor immediate family only, weather permitting.