Ann Chappuis

Ann Gestie Chappuis passed away peacefully on Sept. 22, 2019, surrounded and comforted by her family.

Born on Aug. 18, 1927, in Fargo, North Dakota, she was the daughter of Emory and Gladys Quinn Gestie.

Ann always credited her love of flowers and gardening to her father, who made his living as a florist. After graduating from Fargo High School in 1945, she moved to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan. Ann’s first year on campus was special because she lived with her Aunt Edie and Uncle Arnie Kuethe, who was an engineering professor. During the next three years, Ann was active in the Delta Gamma Sorority and in 1949 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Ann married her college sweetheart, Bob Chappuis, and celebrated 63 years of marriage before his death in 2012. His involvement with Michigan football led to a lifelong family tradition of tailgating and camaraderie around football Saturdays in Ann Arbor.

After graduation, Ann and Bob moved to Chicago where Bob briefly played professional football. They then moved to South Bend, Indiana, where their four children were born and lasting friendships were made.

Eventually, they made their home in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where they lived for 45 years. During this time, Ann was actively involved in many community, charitable and social organizations. Her PEO sisters were especially important to her and she remained active with this organization throughout her life and wherever she lived. Ann and Bob in 2003 moved back to Ann Arbor, the city where they had so many fond memories and friends. 

Ann had a wide variety of interests, including the stock market and current events. She loved antiquing and was an avid reader. Some of her greatest memories were of her travels throughout the world with friends and family, however, she especially cherished her time spent with her grandchildren in Vero Beach, Florida.

Ann lived a life full of love and laughter.

She will be missed by many, but especially by her children and grandchildren: Mary McCord (Jim), Rob Chappuis (Jill), Mark Chappuis (Cindy) and Betsy Wilson (Rob) along with nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be sent to Michigan League, 911 N. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, or The Center for the Education of Women (CEW), 330 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.