Chappell

Ruby (Bunch) Chappell, 100, of La Grange, died Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016. Ruby was born in rural Wellsville, Mo. on Sept. 15, 1916, the daughter of Leslie W. Bunch and Julia Ann (Arnall) Bunch. She graduated from Wellsville High School in Missouri in 1935. Ruby married Earl F. Chappell in July, 1952 in the home of her parents. She lived in Wellsville and the surrounding area until 1958 when she and Earl moved to Bowling Green, Mo. Ruby became a member of the First Baptist Church in Wellsville and was baptized at the age of 11. Later, she taught a Sunday school class for the youth in Wellsville and later taught a high school girl’s class at Bowling Green, Mo. She loved her church and continued to be a faithful member throughout her life. Ruby worked in several clerical positions while in Wellsville and she and Earl opened a small grocery store in Wellsville on Main Street. After moving in 1958 to Bowling Green, Mo., she was employed by the Division of Family Services as a case worker and a supervisor in Cape Girardeau, Mo. covering seven counties. This included foster care, unwed mothers and adoption. She retired in 1980. Ruby and Earl moved to Corpus Christi to be close to family in 1986. In 2001, she moved to La Grange with her daughter and family. Ruby became a member of the First Baptist Church of La Grange. She was very active in the Royal Neighbors, Rebecca Lodge and Eastern Star Lodge. She participated in serving in many organizations. After her retirement, Ruby continued to enjoy traveling, doing needlework which included making an afghan for each of her loved ones and a few friends. She loved to read, especially her Bible and her large library of religious books that she was willing to share with her family and friends. She enjoyed listening to many of the wonderful preachers on television and hearing the Gaither Homecoming Group sing. She leaves two daughters: Sharon F. Trafton and husband, John; Kathyrn A. Deters and husband, Nick; three grandchildren: Melinda Kohnke and husband, Tom; Chris Deters and wife, Kim; and Greg Deters and wife, Heather; six great-grandchildren: James, Justin, Elyssa Kohnke and Makenzie, Nicholas, and Hadley Deters. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Earl; brother,Hubert Bunch; and a former son-in-law, Verlon R. Cole.  Visitation was held on Monday, Dec. 26, 2016 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 121 S. College St., in La Grange. Funeral services followed beginning at 2 p.m. A graveside service and burial was held on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in the Wellsville Cemetery in Wellsville, Mo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 11000 N. Mopac Expressway, Ste. 100, Austin, Texas 78759; First Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 97, La Grange, Texas 78945; or a charity of one’s choice. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com. Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home in La Grange was in charge of arrangements.