Sandra Chapman

Sandra (Sandy) Lynn Chapman, 90, of Missoula Montana, passed away on Monday June 30, 2025, at her residence at Missoula Valley Senior Living.

She was born on August 8, 1934, in Spokane, Washington to Frank and Elvira Arnold. Sandy spent her childhood in Chelan, Washington where she and her brother Tom spent many a summer day swimming in the lake and playing in the orchard. She loved to tell stories of her brother chasing her with snakes and said she always knew it was time to run for home when she heard him call “hey sissy”. There were also many stories of family gatherings full of cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents.

Upon graduation from Chelan High School, she took a job with a dentist in Colville, Washington where she learned “two handed dentistry”, she became a skilled assistant as well as office manager. She and her cousin Margorie (Mony) shared an apartment and had many adventures. She loved going to dances at the local Grange Hall and other venues where live music was played. It was during this time that she met Ray Chapman; they were married on February 4, 1956, in Spokane Washington. In 1964 they moved to Missoula where Ray took a position with the University of Montana.

Sandy found joy in the lovely things around her. She took great pleasure in spoiling the beloved family pets. Cats, hummingbirds, and squirrels were among her favorites. She enjoyed sparkly jewelry and going to lunch with friends and her 3 girls. She taught her daughters to find beauty and love in nature and in all people. She had a charming sense of humor, a sharp wit, and loved to laugh. She enjoyed family holidays, vacations and even tolerated the annual camping trip!

She was preceded in death by her husband Ray Forrest Chapman, her parents Frank and Elvira Arnold, and her brother Thomas Arnold.

She is survived by her 3 daughters: Valorie Dersam (John) of Missoula, Jennifer Beauchamp (Glenn Davis) of Menlo Park, California, Hilary Chapman-McClung (Dean McClung) of Vancouver, Washington. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Hilary Woods (Adam) of Missoula, Scott Dersam (Sari) of Whitehall, Montana, and Madeleine Chapman of Bellingham, Washington, a great-granddaughter Zoey Woods of Missoula, and many nieces, and nephews.

She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be dearly missed.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Big Sky Palliative and Hospice for the compassionate care they provided. Additionally, we wish to thank the staff at Missoula Valley Senior Living, Partners in Home Care and DPHHS for their care and assistance.

Services will be at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula on Monday August 11, 2025, from 2-4pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Sandra’s name to Big Sky Hospice Foundation.