Aelcidean Mertie Chapman Obituary (1916 - 2015)

Aelcidean Mertie (King) Chapman passed away on April 7, 2015, at the age of 98 in Methodist Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska. She was born in Diller, Nebraska on November 19, 1916 and lived in Beatrice until moving to Omaha in July 2003 after suffering a broken hip. She graduated Valedictorian from Beatrice Senior High School in 1935 and attended Lincoln School of Commerce and Nebraska Business Institute in Lincoln, Nebraska. She was employed at Store Kraft Manufacturing Company in Beatrice for five years. She later served as Deputy Tax Clerk for Gage County, Nebraska, and then in Lincoln as legal secretary for a law firm. At the time of her marriage, she was employed as secretary at Nebraska Bureau of Animal Industry at the State Capital in Lincoln. Aelcidean married Glenn Ray Chapman of Beatrice on December 3, 1943 to which union, were born two children, Richard and Carol. Aelcidean was a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Beatrice. She was a Sunday school teacher in the Nursery Department; a member of the Diaconia SS class; Morning Circle; and was awarded Honorary Life Membership in the Association of Presbyterian Women. She also was a recipient of the State Life membership of Nebraska Parent-Teacher Association. Aelcidean enjoyed making quilts that were all hand pieced, and hand quilted. Aelcidean is survived by her son Richard, and spouse, Norma of Huntley, Illinois; daughter Carol and husband Gregg Newton of Millard; three grandchildren, Angela, Breanne, and Drew and their spouses, all of Millard; four beloved great grandchildren: Jessie, Leo, Katie, and Kristen as well as nieces and nephews. Aelcidean was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Elma King; her husband, Glenn; her brother Bernard King and his wife Lorena and niece Rosie Stahl; her brother in-law Donald Chapman and his wife Maxine. Private family funeral services will be held Thursday, April 9, 2015 at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice with Reverend Dr. Jimmy Shelbourn officiating. Interment will be in the Evergreen Home Cemetery, Beatrice. A memorial has been established to the First Presbyterian Church in Beatrice and a charity of the donor's choice with the funeral home in charge. Sign Aelcidean's online guest book at www.ghchapel.com. These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.