Sylvia “Sue” Ann Hunter-Chapman June 25, 1962 – March 18, 2024
Sue Chapman
Born in Dubuque, Iowa, on June 25, 1962, Sue grew up loving to be outside enjoying nature. She was a hippie through and through. She was heavily involved with ballet as a child and teenager and then continued being involved by judging competitions for many years. Sue graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1981, this is where she grew to love reading and writing. She studied at the University of Utah and was a loyal Ute. It was a challenge to have her precious son choose to go to their rival, BYU, but she grew to the point of even cheering for BYU as long as they weren’t playing the Utes!
Sue was never able to drive because of a vision problem so she was very good with public transportation which was rough when she came back to Iowa and lived in a small town. She just walked everywhere she needed to go. Sue enjoyed road trips with friends, and a good movie with popcorn. Love for others is a key characteristic that Sue embodied. She made lifelong friends wherever she was. She had a soft spot for anyone who was down on their luck or struggling with an addiction. She tried to help whenever she could. She served on the Jones County Fair Board for many years. She made such an impression on others, she changed their lives.
Caring for animals was integral to Sue’s character, she could not bear their harm or hurt. She served at Camp Courageous, a camp for individuals with disabilities, where she lifted and brought light to the campers served there. She helped train and take care of Skye, her dog at the camp. They will be best friends forever.
Most important in her life was her son Zach. She was active in the scouting program helping him achieve Eagle rank and supported him in his running and racing as well as joining the ROTC program at BYU. Zach was her pride and joy. Sue chose to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Oct. 8, 1996. She was sealed to her husband and Zach, Dec. 30, 2014, and to her parents in December 2023 while fighting her cancer. She built a strong relationship with her Savior and friend, Jesus Christ, a relationship that included sacrificing her time and talents for him on a full-time mission which she completed honorably just two months prior to her death. She was a perfect example of a disciple of Christ. Her testimony of the Saviors plan was strong to the very end. Before her cancer diagnosis, she attended the wedding of her son Zach in July 2023. All she talked about with Zach and Adrianna was expanding their family. She had such a strong yearning to meet her grandchildren and now she gets to meet and play with them before anyone else, in heaven. Sue’s spirit was strong as she went through many hardships in her life; she never let those hardships get her down. Sue loved to smile and enjoyed the simple things in life.
We would like to acknowledge the Foster family for offering their home and taking care of Sue while she was ill, the Intermountain Hospice Team, especially nurse Becky who gave tender loving care, the missionaries in her mission that would visit and help take care of her and especially her Iowa friends that took the time to travel and spend time with their lifelong friend. The Sky visit was incredible.
Sue is survived by her son, Zachariah Taylor Chapman, and Adrianna Marie Foster, daughter-in-law.
Preceding her in death are her parents, Beverley Maxine and Donald James Whittle; her first husband whom she married in 1985, John Steven Hunter (1948-1994) and second husband whom she married in 2006, Dennis Dwayne Chapman (1962-2013).
An evening celebration of life was held Sunday, March 24, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 13538 South Crimson Patch Way, Riverton, Utah (Foster residence).
An evening celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Camp Courageous Durgin Pavilion, 12101 190th Street, Monticello, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Zach and Adrianna (Venmo to @adrianna-foster).