Ruby Ellen Hartness Chapman

Ruby Ellen Hartness Chapman, 86, of Pax Hill Rd. passed away peacefully Monday, May 17, 2010 at Burke Palliative Care Center. A native of the Snow Creek Community in Iredell County, NC, she has resided in Burke County for the last 63 years. Mrs. Chapman was a daughter of the late Willy and Eloise Hartness. Her husband, David Moran Chapman, preceded her in death. Mrs. Chapman graduated from the Grace Hospital School of Nursing in 1946 and became a registered nurse. She retired after a 30 year career of providing care at Broughton Hospital. Mrs. Chapman touched the lives of many through her work as a member of Bethel Baptist Church, as a Chesterfield Community volunteer, and as a lifelong DemocratChildren surviving are a daughter, Lu Ellen Teague and husband, Randy, of Morganton; a son, Michael Chapman and wife, Nancy, of Asheville, NC; and a grandson, David Chapman of Knoxville, TN. Surviving sisters are Lorene Hartness Revis of Columbus, GA, Joann Hartness Scarborough of Statesville, NC, and "sister" Zelma Gwaltney of Winston-Salem, NC.She was preceded in death by sisters, Hilda Hartness Journey of White Plains, MD, and Margaret Hartness Revis of Statesville, NC; and brothers, Zeb of Denver, CO, J.P. and Clarence of Statesville, NC, Paul of Kernersville, NC, and Pete of Morganton.

The family wishes to thank members of Bethel Baptist Church, friends, health care providers, and the staff at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care for endless compassion and support.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 20, 2010 at Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Cline officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the funeral service. In lieu flowers, donations may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 3861 Pax Hill Rd., Morganton, NC 28655, or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.