Beatrice Ruby Butler Chapman died January 24, 2013 at the age of 86 from a lengthy illness. Aunt BB was born on September 25, 1926 in Lone Grove Oklahoma to Samuel Isaac Butler and Katie Christian Butler. She lived in Fillmore for over 70 years and was married to Harvey Chapman for 40 years until his death in 1983.
Aunt BB was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Chapman, her parents Samuel Isaac and Katie Christian Butler, her siblings Charlie Butler, Dorothy Covel, Aubrey Butler, Clifford Butler, Atheline Barksdale Scott, and JD Butler. She is survived by sisters-in-law Faye Butler and Shirley Butler, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who loved her very much.
During her life she worked for a time at a Fillmore orange packing house and then for over 20 years as a psychiatric technician at the Camarillo State Hospital. Considering that Aunt BB suffered from Alzheimer’s disease the last several years of her life and spent her last eight months at the Fillmore Convalescent Center it is appropriate to note that Aunt BB was described by her supervisor at the Camarillo State Hospital in this way, “Mrs. Chapman, your work has been of high standard at all times. You are alert to the needs and health of your patients.” She was a loving sister-in-law and Aunt who will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 31at the Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, 600 Central Avenue, Fillmore. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 1, 2013 at the Bardsdale Cemetery in Fillmore.
The family sincerely thanks Aunt BB’s many caregivers, including those at the Orange Blossom Villa and the Fillmore Convalescent Center who gave her such special care. We would like to give special thanks to the nursing staff and CNAs at the Fillmore Convalescent Center for their compassionate care during the last few days of Aunt BB’s life. A special thanks also to her doctor, Michael Swartout, and staff, especially his nurse Jane. Dr. Swartout, your care for Bea was tremendous and your empathy and advice was greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 80 Wood Road #302, Camarillo, CA 93010 in memory of Beatrice Chapman.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, Fillmore.