Rose Chapman

Rosie Aleta Chapman, 78, passed away at 4:36 p.m., Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the home of her daughter in Edwardsville, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.

She was born on February 3, 1948, in Alton, Illinois, one of nine children born to the late Archie and Lorene (DeClue) Cain.

Rose's life was a beautiful reflection of her faith, her devotion to family, and the genuine kindness she extended to everyone fortunate enough to know her. She had a heart of gold, a gentle spirit, and an unwavering desire to do good for others. Whether through a thoughtful gesture, a helping hand, or simply making someone feel loved and welcome, Rose had a way of making the lives of those around her a little brighter.

Her own love story began when a young man named David S. Chapman attended a wedding in Grafton. That chance meeting would become the beginning of a lifetime of love and devotion. The two were married on June 17, 1967, in Nutwood, and together built a life centered on their faith, their family, and the values they held dear. They were blessed with three daughters, whom they raised with patience, humility, and a strong foundation of faith, while encouraging each of them to become independent, capable women. Dave and Rose shared more than five decades of marriage before his passing on April 19, 2021. He was not only her husband, but her very best friend, and his absence was something she carried with her every day.

A homemaker in every sense of the word, Rose took tremendous pride in the home and family she and Dave created. She had a remarkable eye for detail and a perfectionist's touch, especially when it came to her home and yard. Her flowers were lovingly tended, her gardens carefully maintained, and everything seemed to have its proper place. She found happiness in the simple beauty of nature, particularly birds, butterflies, and flowers, and enjoyed spending time gardening and baking. Whatever Rose set her mind to doing, she wanted it done well, and more often than not, she made sure it was done just right.

Faith was the foundation upon which Rose built her life. She and Dave were devoted members of LifechurchX in Jerseyville, having been part of the church family since its earliest days as Charity Christian Center, where she served as a Sunday School teacher. Through the years, their commitment never wavered. Rose lived her beliefs not simply through the words she spoke, but through the way she treated others. 

Children always held a special place in Rose's heart. For many years, she cared for children in the Fieldon area, offering the same patience, tenderness, and loving attention she gave her own family. Among those who became especially dear to her were John Wayne and Tammy Duggan and their children, John, Liz, and Chrisy. Over time, the Duggans and their growing families became an extension of her own, a bond she treasured throughout her life. 

Above all else, Rose cherished her family. Nothing brought her greater happiness than being surrounded by the people she loved, watching her children and grandchildren build lives of their own, and enjoying the precious moments that came with each new generation. Her nieces and nephews also held a very special place in her heart, and she treasured the relationships she shared with each of them. Her great-grandchildren, Archie and Valeigh, were an especially beautiful blessing. In the years following Dave's passing, they gave her renewed joy, purpose, and countless reasons to smile. Their presence helped fill her days with the kind of love that had always meant the most to her.

Rose was a woman who gave freely of herself, never expecting anything in return. She was compassionate, humble, and generous with both her time and her heart. She believed in treating people with kindness, looking for the good in others, and leaving things a little better than she found them. It was a simple way of living, but one that made an extraordinary difference in the lives she touched.

While those who loved her will deeply miss her presence, they can find comfort in knowing that Rose's life was one well lived, filled with purpose, rooted in faith, and rich in love. The lessons she taught, the kindness she shared, and the example she set will continue through the family she adored and the many lives made better simply because she was part of them. 

Surviving are her three daughters and sons-in-law, Rachel and Todd Cannedy of Alton, Amy and Brad Welton of Edwardsville, and Andrea Chapman of El Mirage, Arizona; five grandchildren, Seth (Dessy) Chapman of Charlotte, North Carolina, Audrey Chapman of Jerseyville, Lexi Swan (Jacob Ing) of Kane, MarthaRose Cannedy of Alton, and Drew Welton of Edwardsville; two great-grandchildren, Archie and Valeigh; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles and Wanda Cain of Milton, Georgia, Glenn Cain of Jerseyville, and Wilbur "Web" and Cathy Cain of Troy; a sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Lenny Travers of Fieldon; a sister-in-law, Barbara Cain of Jerseyville; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, Dave, she was preceded in death by four siblings and their spouses, Erma and Norman Baker, Robert "Bob" Cain, Geraldine and Loren "Clifford" Daniels, and Dorothy and Carl Dunham; as well as two sisters-in-law, Anna Cain and Barbara Cain.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, November 16, 2026, at LifechurchX in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Tuesday, November 17, 2026. Her brother, Rev. Wilbur Cain, will officiate.

Burial will follow at Fieldon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to an education fund to be established for her great-grandchildren, in care of Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.

Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home