Mary Jean Chapuis went home to be with her Lord and Savior on July 26, 2024 at the age of 85. Mary was born Mary Jean Davis in Ottumwa, Iowa, August 12, 1938, to Lewis and Bessie Davis. 
Mary was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughter, Peggy (Dan) Morrow of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; son, Scott (Lou Ann) Chapuis of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee; granddaughters, Beth Chapuis and Rachel (Ben) Blagg; grandsons, Matthew Morrow, Jonathan Morrow, Josh (Nadine) Chapuis; and four great-grandchildren, Colton, McKenzie and Callie Blagg, and Ellianna Chapuis. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; her parents, and many siblings.
After spending her very early years in Packwood, the Davis family moved to a small farm near Libertyville, Iowa where Mary grew up and graduated from Fairfield High School in 1955. She and Dick were married October 23, 1955 and she continued her farm life as Dick’s wife. Dick was Mary’s high school sweetheart and their love strengthen as they moved to the Chapuis family farm in Stockport where they raised their two children. Known to all as a sweet and loving lady, Mary worked alongside Dick on the farm and in their church where Dick taught Sunday School and Mary could be seen doing whatever was needed behind-the-scenes. Together they hosted Bible studies in their home, missionaries on furlough, high school youth groups and were original founders of the annual Oakland Mills Bible conference.
Mary was famous for her homemade chocolate-chip cookies, homemade ice cream and hand-pulled cinnamon and wintergreen taffy. Until her last day, nothing could make her eyes light up like the words: ‘chocolate’ or ‘ice cream’! Quiet and mild tempered, Mary also had a silly side, which most often was observed during the Davis Family Reunions. Cards, Dominoes and board games were also a favorite, but especially Mary loved her children and grandchildren. Whenever one was coming for a visit, her kitchen counter would be found loaded with snacks, treats and desserts of all kinds.
Mary loved all things floral. She favored pink or purple blooms, and these could often be seen adorning her home both inside and out. Countless hours she would spend in her garden and yard where she tended her flowers and could tell you the name of each and every one.
A dear friend to many, Mary demonstrated how to lead through serving, and how to have a vital relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She and Dick never shied away from hard work and always jumped in when help was needed, whether at church, in the community or for friends. “She was a true treasure.” “She was a real mom to me.” “She taught me how to (make cookies; freeze corn; cook homemade meals, etc.).” “She spent countless hours helping our marriage.” “She poured her life into our children’s lives” are just a few of the many comments that have been said of Mary in these recent days.
Mary’s deep faith carried her through all of life’s struggles and hardships. Losing Dick in 1998 was indeed difficult for her and it was her faith that helped her through. She often asked, “How do people handle such things when they don’t know the Lord personally?”
Mostly, what Mary would want everyone to know today is that a personal faith in Jesus and His finished work on the cross is the thing that matters most in life – and in death.
Services celebrating her life will be held Wednesday, July 31, 2024 with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by her funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. Graveside services will be 2:30 p.m. at Spencer Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider donating to the work of Ethnos 360 (Formerly New Tribes Mission).
Online condolences may be made at www.behnerfh.com.
