Clara Virginia Chapple, 87, of Rivesville, passed away Sunday (Aug. 30, 2009) at Fairmont General Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born in Monongah on Dec. 28, 1921, one of nine children born to the late James "Monk" Carpenter & Dora Mae Shupp Carpenter. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carl William Chapple, in 1954. Mrs. Chapple retired as manager of the Fashion Bug at the Middletown Mall. Prior to that she was manager of Ormonds Shop in Downtown Fairmont. She had also worked at Lipson's Jewelers. She graduated from the West Virginia Business College. She was a member of Highlawn United Methodist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star, Fairmont Chapter No. 34. Clara was an avid sports fan, especially of the Pittsburgh Steelers and West Virginia University sports. Clara had a full life and was a devoted homemaker, loving mother and loving grandmother. She was especially proud of her large family. She enjoyed her work and meeting and serving the public. She is survived by her sons, Carl W. Chapple Jr. & his wife, Roberta Paulette of Barrackville and Pastor Richard D. Chapple & his wife, Josielea of Pine Grove; a brother, Victor Carpenter & his wife, Elizabeth of West Palm Beach, FL; three sisters, Betty Gantle of Point Marion, PA, Shirley Clelland & her husband, Herb of Fairview, and Sally Westfall & her husband, Cecil of Minerva, OH; her very special grandchildren & their spouses, Carlena Jo Chapple-Brooks & her husband, Bill of Mont Clair, VA, Jennifer Lynn Huey & her husband, Mike of Mannington, Melanee Morgan & her husband, Paul of Fairmont, Richard D. Chapple Jr. & his wife, Joanne of Pine Grove and Jayne Chapple-Kirk & her husband, Randy of Morgantown; 10 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Mary McNunis, Matilda Ash and Doris Gorby; and a brother, Earnest Lee Carpenter. Friends may call at Carpenter and Ford Funeral Home, 209 Merchant St., from 1 to 8 p.m. today and 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday. Chapter No. 34 Order of the Eastern Star will conduct a ritualistic service at the funeral home at 7 p.m. today. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with Pastor Richard D. Chapple officiating. Interment services will follow at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens. Clara's family would like to extend their appreciation to the Special Care Unit at Fairmont General Hospital for their excellent care and compassion.

TIMES WEST VIRGINIAN, Tues, Sep 1, 2009