Thelma J. Tuttle-Chapman

Thelma J. Tuttle-Chapman, age 91, born October 31, 1934, in Perry, Missouri, passed quietly at home on April 26, 2026, in Lawrence, Kansas. She lived a life marked by determination, warmth, firm but kind, and had a remarkable ability to turn ordinary days into meaningful ones. She was the beloved daughter of the late Melvin H. Tuttle and the late Mildred H. Silvey. Preceded in death by her spouse, Homer E. Chapman, (former spouse Jack M. Lawson), her sister, Helen F. Tuttle-Marrs-Greer, her half-brother, Alan B. Pryor, her grandson, Cameron Lightner, and her great granddaughter, Victoria White. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Julia Lightner-Fredyma and Kathy L. Lawson-White, her grandchildren Onel Lightner, Lura Frazey, William Burton, Alfonzo Burton, and Kalila Boldridge, her 11 great-grandchildren, and her 2 great-great-grandchildren. (Half-sister, Kathy Pryor-Brecheisen). Her life was also shaped by the many bonds of family, friendship, and community that surrounded her and gave her joy.

Thelma graduated from McLouth High School in 1952, and she carried that foundation into a life of steady work and faithful service. She spent 12 years as an administrative assistant with the Bureau of Lectures and Concert Artists, where her professionalism and reliability helped support the work of others. She then devoted 23 years to McGrew Real Estate, where her experience and dedication made her a valuable member of the team. Never one to stop building, creating, or contributing, she also became the creator and owner of Kennel Crest Country Club for Pets, a venture that reflected both her love of animals and her gift for seeing possibilities where others might only see challenges. She loved dogs deeply, and that love was woven into her daily life. She found fellowship and enjoyment as a member of the American Kennel Club, the Merry Mixers Square Dancers, and the Lawrence Flower Club (the oldest flower club in Kansas), and member of The Daughters of the American Revolution. She also loved to play scrabble and card games (especially poker), throwing parties for her friends & family and anything connected to nature. Her accomplishments included Awards in Wildlife Refuge Designation, Master Gardener since 2002, recognition as Master Gardener of the Year, and a National Award for Kennel Crest. Each standing as proof that passion, purpose, and perseverance can leave a lasting mark.

She engaged fully in life embracing interests in sewing, needlework, arts & crafts, painting, fishing, boating, traveling, water skiing, reading, American history and genealogy.

Her story is one of resilience and purpose. She built a legacy through her work, her interests, her family, and her unwavering commitment to living with intention. Her life stands as a reminder that every day offers an opportunity to make a difference, to learn something new, and to leave things better than we found them.

Thelma J. Tuttle-Chapman will be remembered by those who knew her with love, respect, and gratitude for the example she set and the joy she brought to those around her. Her journey was long, meaningful, and beautifully lived, and her influence will continue in the lives of her family, her friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Private family service will be held at the historic Muldrow Cemetery in Salt River/Perry Missouri in early June.

Memorial contributions in her name would be appreciated, in lieu of flowers, to the Lawrence Humane Society in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence KS 66044.