Bonita Ann Chappell

Bonita A. Chappell                        “beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---Bonita Ann “Bonnie” Chappell, 87, of Shinglehouse, passed away unexpectedly with her loving family by her side on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.

Born on Sunday, September 5, 1937 in Portville, NY, she was a daughter of Benjamin Jankenski and Margaret Russell. She was adopted and raised by LeRoy and Laura Bunker Hemphill. On September 1, 1962 in Millport, she married Donald Romaine “Don” Chappell, who passed away on August 26, 2017.

Bonnie was a graduate of Shinglehouse High School and was a graduate of Rochester Business Institute. She was first employed as an office clerk by the former Dresser-Rand Industries in Olean. After her marriage and the onset of her family, she became a stay-at-home Mom. After her children grew, she was employed at the librarian at the Oswayo Valley Memorial Library in Shinglehouse until her retirement.

Bonnie was a member of the former Millport United Methodist Church. She was a life member and past matron of Eureka Chapter #52 OES in Shinglehouse. Bonnie was an avid reader. She enjoyed playing Solitaire and bird watching. She loved her flower gardens. Her greatest love was her family, loving all of the family gatherings.

Left to cherish her memory are three sons, Jeff D. Chappell of Turtlepoint, Jim D. (Tracy Hyde) Chappell of Shinglehouse, and Daniel L. “Dan” Chappell of Shinglehouse; two daughters, Donna M. Kelley of Florida and Peggy A. (Kenneth Austin) Chappell of Eldred; eight adored grandchildren, Chelsea, Geoff, Tyler, Amanda, Taylor, Colton, Lindsey, and Kaci; numerous great-grandchildren; a nephew; and her best friends, John and Ivy Pesock.

In addition to her parents and husband, Bonnie was predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Tracy Chappell; a son-in-law, Dale Saulter; a brother, William Hemphill; and a nephew, John Hemphill.

In keeping with Bonnie’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bonnie’s name may be made to the Shinglehouse Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 98, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.

Bonnie’s family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Bonnie, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.