Barbara Chappell

How do you measure a life spent entirely in devotion to others? For those who knew Barbara K. Chappell, the answer is found in the lives she touched, the community she helped shape, and the legacy of service she leaves behind.

Barb peacefully entered the arms of her Savior on October 27, 2026, at the age of 92, at Mount Pleasant Retirement Community in Monroe, Ohio. Barb was a resident at Mount Pleasant for the last 18 years.

Born on March 18, 1934, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Barb was raised by her loving maternal grandparents (John and Estelle Bruckner) following the early passing of her father, John Kennedy, and her mother Ethel’s return to the workforce. Barb loved growing up and helping her grandfather on their farm on Stubbs Mill Road in Lebanon, Ohio. She had many fond memories of going with her grandfather, delivering fresh produce to the Golden Lamb, remarking that it was several years later before she used the front entrance. She graduated from Lebanon High School in 1952.

On November 26, 1960, Barb married Charles W. Chappell. Together, they spent more than five decades raising their sons and building a legacy of service until Charlie’s passing on October 26, 2011.

While Barb valued her career at Cincinnati Milling Machine Company, her true calling was found in her dedication as a mother, mentor, and civic leader. As a woman of faith, she served as a deacon and taught Sunday School at West Chester Presbyterian Church for over 20 years. Her heart for the community knew no bounds: she was honored as a "First Family" member of the Northern Cincinnati Foundation (originally named the Community Foundation of West Chester), played a key role in the renaming of Union Township to West Chester Township, wrapped Christmas gifts with the local fire department for families in need (Reach Out Lakota was born from this annual event), and faithfully attended every Memorial Day parade.

Barb’s passion for youth leadership led to more than 30 years of service with the Boy Scouts of America, where she trained generations of troop leaders and received numerous awards including the Ft. Hamilton Lifetime Award (1999) and the Spirit of Scouting Award (2012). As a Middletown Library Board Trustee from 2000 to 2011, she was instrumental in securing a library for West Chester. She further shared her wisdom on the Board of Trustees for Mount Pleasant Retirement Community (2001–2007) and worked alongside her husband to help establish the Miami University Voice of America Campus, in West Chester, Ohio.

In her later years, Barb’s generosity continued through quiet philanthropy. Guided by a deep compassion for health, education, and nature, she funded nursing scholarships at Miami University, supported the Atrium Medical Foundation School of Nursing Endowment, and embraced projects at Mercy Hospital—including the NICU simulation lab, mobile mammography van, and ongoing medical education. Her love for animals led her to support the Red Wolf Sanctuary and Paws for Miles—the organization that brought her beloved granddog, Lady—while her appreciation for beauty, nature, and history led her to sponsor annual horticultural internships at the Colonial Williamsburg gardens.

Barb was the mother of John C. Chappell and stepmother to David and Daniel Chappell. Her selflessness, grace, and community service will continue in the lives she touched. Her warmth, leadership, and generous spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

A visitation will be held at the Mary Kittredge Chapel (Mount Pleasant Retirement Community Campus, 225 Britton Lane, Monroe, Ohio) from 10:30 am- noon on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026. The funeral service will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:

-The Red Wolf Sanctuary, P.O. Box 202, Rising Sun, IN 47040 - (tax ID # 31-0973966), https://www.redwolf.org/

-Miami University; the Barbara Chappell Family Scholarship (5559-001) , Miami University, 1601 University Blvd., Hamilton, OH 45011. Checks should be made out to Miami University, with the scholarship name in the memo. To give online, click this link, and follow the directions. When you get to the gift designation, in the box marked "other" add "Barbara Chappell Family Scholarship (5559-001).

-BSA, Dan Beard Council, Fort Hamilton District; Contributions can be made online at Friends of Scouting, please choose Fort Hamilton District. Donations may also be mailed to Scouting America, Dan Beard Council, 10078 Reading Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45241. With the same information.