Jill Beth Chappell

Jill Beth Chappell, 67, of Topeka, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

She was born August 12, 1958, in Norfolk, Virginia, the daughter of Kenneth and Betty (Bryan) Holman. She was a graduate of Winnetonka High School, Kansas City, Missouri, and received an associate degree in business from Kansas City Business School.

Prior to Jill’s marriage to Rolf, she was an actress in many community theater productions in the Kansas City area.

Jill married Rolf Oliver Chappell on June 2, 1984, in Kansas City, MO. He survives in Topeka. Other survivors include her son, Zachary (Courtney) Chappell of Andover, KS; her mother, Betty Holman Adams of Kansas City, MO; her sister, Jo (Larry) Hill of Kansas City, MO; and two nieces, Abigail (Andy) Sizemore and Liza Hill.

Jill and Rolf’s son, Zach, attended Kansas State University and was on the crewing team at the college. Every weekend Jill and Rolf would pack their car with homemade food by Rolf and follow his team to their competitions. They were big supporters of Zach and his sporting career.

Jill and Rolf were very involved with the Optimist Club in north Topeka where they prepared the food for many of the events.

Jill was employed by Stevens & Brand, LLP. She was a paralegal for Tom Haney for 35 years and to Patricia Hamilton for 20 years. Tom and Jill joined Stevens & Brand in 2013. Jill obtained her Professional Legal Secretary certification and became a paralegal with outstanding skills. At the law firm Jill was the party planner extraordinaire. She brought the Wright Henson (former law firm where Jill worked) soup, chili and dessert competition with her and created a legendary annual Halloween Extravaganza involving costumes, decorations, plus the food competition. Jill arranged for specialty trophies each year for each category. She led the planning and promoted the event to all the members of the firm, encouraging a healthy and fun rivalry between the Lawrence and Topeka offices. Jill was a major supporter in work and emotional support for all. She was an amazing employee, friend and was loved by all that she touched.

Jill was a member of the Kansas Legal Professionals, Inc. and the Topeka Legal Professionals for at least 35 years. She was a dedicated member and held many offices in both the state and local levels. She received the prestigious award of Legal Secretary of the Year twice from Topeka Legal Professionals and once from Kansas Legal Professionals. When the state seminar was outside of Topeka, Jill, Charlene and Sheryl (known as the three musketeers) would hop in one of their cars and head out. They even sang in the car and were so glad no one could hear them. Friday was the hospitality event of the seminar. There were a lot of fun times had with conversation, liquor, jokes and more. The agreement was “whatever happened at seminar, remained at the seminar.” As with her planning with her law office, she was the planner extraordinaire for legal seminars. This involved locating a venue, negotiating prices, selecting food for the event and arranging for speakers and so many more duties that no one ever knew about. Jill was a “one and only” that can never be replaced but memories will hold all family and friends together.

Jill loved spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed reading, traveling with her family--especially to beaches, theater productions and a good Moscow mule or Bloody Mary with her friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth C. Holman.

Cremation is planned. A gathering of family and friends will be from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to Beth Haven Church, 4810 N Elmwood Ave, Kansas City, MO 64119.

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