COSHOCTON- Reta Rae (Clark) Chapman, 67, of Cassingham Hollow Dr., died Sunday, March 6, 2011. At the time of her death, she was staying with her sister, Peggy Crowthers, in New Philadelphia and receiving care by Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County. She passed in peace surrounded by her sons, Eric & Curt Chapman, her sister Peggy, brother-in-law Gary Crowthers, and step-mother Phyllis Clark, who escorted her into the outstretched arms of Jesus.
She was born Aug. 9, 1943 in Coshocton, OH to the late William Wilson and Betty Eileen (Loos) Clark. She is now reunited with the love of her life, Herb D. Chapman, who she married on April 5, 1963, and preceded her in death on Nov. 21, 1987. Reta graduated from Coshocton High School in 1961, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Tomahawk Yearbook Staff, and was a class officer. In 1961, Reta received a commencement award for the "Most Outstanding Business Student". She was a faithful and dedicated employee for the past 25 years at Coshocton Job & Family Services. She also held various positions at the Coshocton Municipal Court, General Electric, Baker's IGA, Buehler's Food Mart, and Sycks Bakery.
Reta was passionate about the preservation of our country's freedoms. She stayed current on local, state, and national information. She was an avid reader, and she enjoyed cooking, adopting rescued dogs, and spending time with her family. Reta was a private person known for her kindness, loving her family, being a good friend, and for her faith in Christ.
She is survived by her two sons; John "Eric" Chapman of Riverside, AL, and C. Curt Chapman of Coshocton, OH, a grandchild, Jessie Dale Chapman of Riverside, AL, her sister, Peggy Ann (Gary) Crowthers of New Philadelphia, her step-mother, Phyllis G. Clark of Coshocton, a brother-in-law, Jack E. (Cecilia) Chapman of Canton, a sister-in-law, Lorene (Paul) Schonauer of Coshocton, a half-brother, Bill (Laura) Clark of Wilmington, NC, a half-sister, Leslie Clark (Patrick) Skelley of Cambridge, a step-brother, Jim (Kristy) Loos of Coshocton, a step-sister, Marcia Loos (Howard) Storm of Ft. Thomas, KY, two aunts; Janice Clark of Coshocton, and Elsie Loos of Coshocton, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Shawn Loren Chapman, and her father-in-law & mother-in-law, Loren & Roxie Chapman.
At Reta's request, a graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at Coshocton County Memory Gardens with Pastor Mark Granger officiating. The Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, Reta requested that memorial donations be made in her memory to any of the following organizations: New Life Ministries Food Pantry, 727 S. 7th St., Coshocton, OH 43812; Hospice, Health Services of Coshocton, P.O. Box 1284, Coshocton, OH 43812; Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. Third St., Dover, OH 44622; or to Four Paws of Coshocton, Main St., Coshocton, OH 43812.
