Erma L. Chapman

Erma L. (Wehrley) Chapman

90, of Eaton, went to be with the Lord, Monday, February 16, 2026.

She was born July 27, 1935, in Preble County, to the late James G. and Mary Ann (Jones) Wehrley.

As the last remaining descendent of her family, Erma was preceded in death by her siblings, Harold Wehrley, Delbert Wehrley, Lloyd Wehrley, Kenneth Wehrley, Martha Hamilton, Gerald Wehrley, Ivan Wehrley, Mary Catherine Waddell, and twin sister, Emma Abernathy; and husband, Raymond Daniels.

She is survived by her loving husband of 28+ years, Al “Shortie” Chapman; son, Greg (Debbie) Waddell; Al’s daughters, Dana (Stephen) Flanagan, Julie (Jay) Potter, and Laura Weisenborn; grandchildren, Adam (Melissa) Waddell and Heather Waddell; and numerous other grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A lifelong and faithful member of the Church of Christ in Eaton, she carried her beliefs not only on Sundays, but in the way she treated everyone she met, with patience, kindness, and a welcoming spirit that made others feel instantly at ease.

For many years, Erma worked in the cafeterias at Dixon and Bruce schools, where generations of children came to know and love her simply as the “Lunch Lady.” She never considered it just a job. She remembered names, noticed when someone needed encouragement, and believed a warm smile and a good meal could fix more than people realized. To those students, she was part caregiver, part listener, and always a friendly face in the middle of the school day.

At home, Erma’s personality shined through her impeccable sense of order. Her house was always spotless and organized, a place of comfort and calm. Yet what everyone remembers most is her cooking. She had a remarkable talent for making anything taste wonderful, but her homemade pies with perfectly flaky crusts and her cakes were legendary. Family gatherings were never complete without something from Erma’s kitchen, made with love and just the right touch of care.

She shared her greatest adventures with her beloved husband, Al. Together they created a lifetime of memories traveling far and wide. Some days found them along the lakes of Michigan, patiently fishing for bass, walleye, or crappie. Other times they escaped to the quiet beauty of the Smoky Mountains for peaceful retreats. And when they were feeling playful, Mississippi casinos welcomed them for a little excitement, pulling slot machines and laughing over a spirited game of euchre.

Erma lived simply but richly, faithful in her church, dependable in her work, loving in her home, and joyful beside the man she loved. She leaves behind warm memories, full hearts, and the comforting thought that somewhere there’s a perfect kitchen, a tidy home, and a fresh pie cooling on the counter.

A visitation will be held Monday, February 23 from 10AM to 11AM at PREBLE MEMORY GARDENS FUNERAL CENTER, West Alexandria with the funeral service beginning at 11AM with Pastor Paul Nichols officiating. Erma will be laid to rest at Preble Memory Gardens Cemetery.

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