Susan J. "Sue" Chaplin, 88, Sturgis, SD passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Monument Health-Sturgis Hospital.  Visitation for Sue will be 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Sunday, November 24 at the Black Hills Funeral Home in Sturgis.  Funeral Services will be at 10:00 AM, Monday, November 25 at Sturgis First United Methodist Church.  Interment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Susan J Gapp was born January 23, 1936, to Robert E. and Elva (Thayer) Gapp at Elm Springs, SD. Soon after her birth, the family moved to Sturgis. She attended school in Sturgis her whole life, graduating from Sturgis High School in May of 1954. She then attended Northern State Teacher College for two years, where she earned a teaching certificate and came back home to teach sixth grade in the Meade 46-1 school district from 1956-1961.

She met Pete Kenley in 1957, and they married on June 15, 1958, in Sturgis, SD.  To this union three children were born, Marc, Wendy and Kristi. Sue was an amazing stay at home mom for 17 years, during which time she also substitute taught. She was kept busy taking her kids to their own activities and always willing to help in any way possible. Sue was an amazing cook, when not volunteering outside of the home you could find her in the kitchen whipping up delicious dinners or baking cookies or some of her world-famous pies.

Sadly, Pete passed away on July 25, 1985. After Pete's passing, Sue went back to school at Black Hills State University and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1987. She then taught third grade in Sturgis for fifteen years, before retiring in 2002.

She married Roger Chaplin on December 27, 1987, at the Sturgis United Methodist Church.

Sue was a lifelong member of Sturgis United Methodist Church, where she held various volunteer positions over many years. She was also a long-time member of the Laureate Pi Sorority, Hospital Auxiliary, Extension Club and Eastern Star.

Sue is survived by her husband, Roger Chaplin, Sturgis; children, Marc (Paige) Kenley, Spearfish, Wendy Kenley, Rapid City, Kristi Paris, Rapid City, and grandchildren Joshua Kenley, Annika Kenley and Hope Paris-Kost (Kolby); brothers, Don (Marion) Gapp, Coronado, CA, Gary (Marilyn) Gapp, Alamo, CA, Dean (Mary) Gapp, Sturgis; step-children, Beth (Doug) Price, Redfield, Mark (Linda) Chaplin, Sturgis, Will (Cindy) Chaplin, Hitchcock, eight step grandchildren and 10 great step grandchildren with one on the way. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Elva Gapp and first husband, Pete Kenley, and step-daughter, Nancy Chaplin.

Condolences can be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com .

Susan Chaplin Service Folder