Marcella Eileen Chapman, 88, of Waverly, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at Newman Hospital in Emporia, Kansas, after becoming ill at home.

Marcella was born January 27, 1931, north-east of Waverly, the daughter of Perry H. and Wanda Belle (Sorenson) Phillips.

She grew up in Waverly and graduated from Waverly High School in 1948. Three days after her graduation she and Ernest Dale Chapman were married on May 16, 1948, in Waverly.

In 1951 Dale joined the U.S. Air Force. He served for 20 years and he and Marcella lived in various locations around the world following his service. Following his retirement they returned to Waverly. Marcella began working in the Waverly Public Library in the early 1970's and would eventually be Head Librarian for a number of years until her retirement. In her leisure time she enjoyed crocheting and making baby quilts for her great-grandchildren and others. She enjoyed traveling and took several bus tours. She enjoyed poetry, history, and playing cards. She was also an avid sports fan rarely missing a Waverly High School game. She liked to watch the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs and KU basketball.

Marcella was a member of the Waverly United Methodist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary in Waverly.

Her husband, Dale, preceded her in death on March 14, 1994. She was also preceded by her parents; a son, Larry Chapman in 2008; and her two sisters, Dorothy Giffin and Viola Fisher who died just 3 days before Marcella.

She leaves her children, Perry Chapman and wife Diane, Waverly, Sandra McNabb and husband Jim, Waverly, Randy Chapman and wife Georganne, Yukon, Oklahoma, David Chapman and wife Connie, Waverly, and Daryl Chapman and wife Sandy, Baldwin, Kansas; 18 grandchildren; thirty-three great-grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 1:30 P.M. Wednesday, February 6, 2019, at the United Methodist Church in Waverly. Burial will follow in Waverly Cemetery.

The family will meet with friends. From 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Waverly High School or the Waverly United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.