Violet "Vi" Lorene Chapman

Vi Chapman, 81, a longtime resident of Fredonia, Kansas, and more recently of Ottawa, Kansas, died Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Olathe Medical Center in Olathe, Kansas. She was born July 8, 1930 in Protection, Kansas, the daughter of Peter and Bessie (Thomas) Ratzlaff. On June 15, 1951 in Independence, Kansas, Vi was united in marriage to Kenneth C. Chapman. He preceded her in death February 21, 2001. Vi was incredibly active in the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary in Fredonia, Coffeyville and Ottawa. Through the years, she held many state and local offices including Kansas State President and South Central Regional President, which included Kansas and Missouri. She was also crowned "State Grandmother" by the FOE Auxiliary. She was also a wonderful mother, grandmother and "2" grandma to her family. Her survivors include: One daughter and son-in-law: Judy and Danny Sims of Fredonia, KS One sister: Rose Ratzlaff of Neodesha, KS Four grandchildren and spouses: Heather and Darrell Odell of Fredonia, KS Brandon and Kelli Sims of Coffeyville, KS Justin and Alyssa Sims of Fredonia, KS Dana and Gentre Graham of Blue Springs, MO Eleven great-grandchildren: Carter, Cooper and Campbell Odell Tanner, Brooklyn, Parker and Landon Sims Zoey and Zeke Sims Gracin and Lakin Graham. Her companion and his son: Frank Fritts and John Fritts Her parents; husband, Kenneth; brothers, Earl, Vernon, Laverne and Eugene; and sisters, Mary Irene, Emma, Leona and Wilma, preceded her in death. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Timmons Funeral Home with Les Miller of the Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be in the Koger/Cheatham Cemetery south of Fredonia. The family will receive friends on Friday evening, 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. A memorial has been established in Vi"s name with the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetic Research Center and donations can be sent to Timmons Funeral Home. Words of condolence for the family may be on this website. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS 66736 is in charge of the arrangements.