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Ellen Jeanne Chappell (Jeanne)
OCTOBER 13, 1940 - JANUARY 28, 2026
Ellen Jeanne Chappell (Jeanne), age 85, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026.
Jeanne was born October 13, 1940 in Hackensack, New Jersey to Robert Frank Kolde and Mary Margaret Miller Kolde.
She attended Wichita High School East and met her high school sweetheart, Gilford (Gil) Arthur Chappell II. They both attended Wichita University and graduated in 1961, Jeanne with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Physics. The couple married July 29, 1961 and then moved to Salt Lake City, UT for Gil to attend graduate school. Jeanne became a computer programmer for Hercules Powder. After Gil received his PhD in Chemistry in 1965, the couple moved to northern New Jersey, where their son Glenn was born. In 1974 they moved to Overland Park, KS where their daughter Kendra was born. There they settled in a cozy home on tree-lined Beverly Drive where they raised their two children. Together they owned and operated a franchise of Lawn Doctor and then their own business of Lawn Pro. The couple retired in 2001 and
enjoyed morning walks together, traveling to visit their kids and grandkids, as well as an annual 6 week escape to Wyoming to camp in a pop-up camper for their wedding anniversary during the heat of the Kansas summer. They were married for 54 years before Gil passed away in 2016.
Jeanne had a smile that could light up a room even up to her last days. She loved cooking and was up for (almost) anything for her kids and grandkids AND their friends. Many called their home on Beverly Drive the “home for wayward college students” as Gil and Jeanne were welcoming of friends and family who needed a place to land for the holidays or a weekend or sometimes longer. Their backyard was filled with the most beautiful green grass (kept up by Gil), rocks brought back from their camping adventures, day lilies in every open space and a restful patio and hammock. Jeanne was involved in her church communities. She also loved working on and sharing her photoshop creations and homemade jewelry.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her father Robert Frank Kolde, her mother Mary Margaret Miller Kolde, and her husband Gilford Arthur Chappell II. She is survived by her son Dr. Glenn Gilford Chappell (Joanne) of Fairbanks, AK; daughter Kendra Jeanne Baldridge (Josh) of Lawrence, KS; grandchildren: Nathaniel Gilford Chappell, Theresa Brooke LaMagna (Joe), Lily Jeanne Baldridge and Max Timothy Baldridge, as well as by her brother James Harold Kolde (Margie). Additionally, Jeanne is survived by her many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends from around the world.
Gil and Jeanne are now reunited in heaven for their morning walks. Jeanne’s cremains will be placed with Gil’s. A Celebration of Life service will be held for Jeanne on May 23, 2026 in Lawrence, KS, more details to come. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be given to the Ellen Jeanne Chappell Memorial at Wichita State University c/o WSU Foundation, 1845 Fairmount, Campus Box 2, Wichita, KS 67260-0002 or online:
https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/67255/donations/new?tc=89010 . The funds will be used for student scholarships.
The family would like to thank the staff at Monterey Village Senior Living and Elara Hospice for giving Jeanne such wonderful care in her last year.
I was one of those "wayward college students" who frequented their home during my college days. As a foreign student literally from the other side of the world, Malaysia, Jeanne and G.A. (as family called Gil) became my "American parents". They have been such a blessing to my life.
I'm sure Jesus welcomed them with "Well done, good and faithful servant" when they got there. ♥️
Jeanne was always so gracious and welcoming as a sister in law, to Frank and I when we came to KC for a visit. She, as did I, sat back and let G.A., Frank and Van relate stories of their sometimes rowdy childhood, laughing and bantering all the afternoon or evening. We will miss her smile an her warm presence. So blessed knowing her.
I had so many wonderful childhood memories spending it with Aunt Jeanne & Uncle GA (and all the cousins). Going to KC for the holidays, summer trips to Worlds of Fun and enjoying the Fall by going to the Renaissance Fair. We sure packed lots of family in their cute cozy house on Beverly. I will always treasure those times.