Kathryn "Katie" Winfred (Maxson) Chappell

Kathryn Winfred Chappell, 94, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away May 15, 2018, at The Hearth at Juday Creek in Granger. She was a very loving wife and is preceded in death by Brantly Paige Chappell, her husband of 65 years.  She was born March 21, 1924, in Belle Plaine, Iowa to the late John and Laura (Ainsworth) Maxson. She married Brantly on February 22, 1947, in Cedar Rapids, IA, and together they raised five children.  In their retirement, Katie and Brant split their time between Elkhart, IN, and Ft. Myers, FL. For many years they enjoyed traveling the country in their motorhome and taking trips abroad, frequently with family.

She was a graduate of McKinley High School in Cedar Rapids, IA, and the Cedar Rapids Business College. The epitome of class, Katie was always civic minded and involved with many philanthropic activities throughout her entire life. She loved to entertain and played the role of hostess to perfection.  Her family remembers Katie for her selflessness, by always putting her family first and taking care of others through encouragement and nurturing. Her talents were many. She was an avid cook, golfer, curler, and had a very creative and artistic mind, which she frequently put to use by helping with school projects and costumes.

Katie was a member of PEO Chapter BG, Book Guild, Elcona Country Club, Psi Iota Xi Sorority, Thursday Club and Four Arts Club. She was also the first president of the Pinewood PTA. She and Brant were even Indiana State curling champions one year.  Katie was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Elkhart, IN, and Safe Harbor Community Church in Ft. Myers, FL.

Katie is survived by sons Barry J. (Pauline) of Kingwood, Texas, Brantly K. (Vicki) of Burlington, Wisconsin, Scott M. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and daughters Sally Kay Richards of Humble, Texas and Ellen Jane Jessen (John) of Granger, IN, grandchildren, Kelly Stump, Chris Chappell (Brittney), Johnathan Jessen (Caitlin), Kathryn Chappell, Kathryn Dabkowski (Patrick), Nick Chappell (Celia), Paige Chavez (Ramon), Taylor Chappell, Kimberly Chappell, and four great-grandchildren.

Katie will always be remembered for her kindness, sense of humor and ever-present smile.  The family would like to thank the nurses, aids and staff at The Hearth at Juday Creek for all the love and wonderful care given to her the last four years.  They are especially grateful for the care provided to her in the end by The Hearth and Heart to Heart Hospice.

Graveside services for the family will be held Saturday, May 19, 2018, at Rice Cemetery, Elkhart, IN. Donations may be directed to Heart to Heart Hospice, 620 W. Edison Rd., Suite 122, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Hartzler Gutermuth Inman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathryn "Katie" Winfred (Maxson) Chappell, please visit our floral store.