Eva Mae (Bartlett) Chapman

Eva Mae Chapman of Springfield, 101, sadly passed on Friday, January 15, 2021.

She was born in Lawton, Michigan on January 14, 1920 to Leonard Lee and Virginia (Cloud) Bartlett. Eva grew up and graduated from Lawton High School, Lawton, Michigan.

On October 6, 1945, Eva was united in marriage to Charles F. "Charlie" Chapman, a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army, at the United Methodist Church in Battle Creek. She worked at Kellogg Company as a specialist, doing the executive payroll, until retiring early to raise her nephew, Kevin. Her nieces and nephews were like her own grandchildren.

Eva enjoyed gardening and canning as well as traveling throughout the U.S. and to other countries with Charlie. She did the puzzles in the newspaper every day to keep her mind sharp and loved the Detroit Tigers and Michigan Football. She also told stories (and lies) on the front porch with her family.

Eva is survived by her nephews, Keith Messenger of Battle Creek and Kenneth (Laura) Messenger of Tybee Island, GA; her niece Maria "Mary Lou" Messenger of Olivet and their families. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie, on August 17 2010. She was also preceded by her nephew, Kevin Messenger; brothers Glen and George Bartlett and a sister, Betty Jean Messenger.

A graveside service to celebrate Eva's life was officiated by Rev. Kirk Messenger 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.