On 12/22/2025, Connie Jean Clover Chapman rode off into the sunset as she left this Earth at the age of 72, only a couple of weeks away from her 73rd birthday. She passed away at home in Creswell, surrounded by her cherished family.
Born on January 7, 1953, in Silverton, OR, Connie was the oldest of nine children. She came from humble beginnings and worked hard to build a better life for herself and her kids. She met her husband, Larry, at the Crow Barn Dance at the Grange Hall in 1978, and the rest was history. Together, they raised four beautiful children, starting their family in Oregon, then spending some time in Washington, before making Creswell, OR, their forever home.
A natural-born boss, Connie worked her way to being the Appraisal Manager of Assessment and Taxation for Lane County before retiring in 2012. Connie and Larry bought a second home in Yuma, AZ, in 2015, where they traded in the cold Oregon winters for the warm Arizona sun, and could both fully embrace their retirement years. It was here that Connie discovered Pickle Ball and quickly became a force to be reckoned with on the court, taking out the competition left and right. She won first place in her age group in singles and mixed doubles at the Yuma Senior Games, and would often challenge her kids and grandkids to a game whenever she had the chance.
If you knew one thing about Connie, you knew she loved all animals, but especially horses. Once she and her family were settled back in Oregon, she spent many years being an important member of a drill team called The Sundancers, where she met some of her very dear and longtime best friends; some who sadly passed on before Connie, and others who remained a special part of her life until her passing. They performed at rodeos, parades, and also judged competitions. At a time in her life when she was a full-time mom, homemaker, and also worked a nine-to-five, Sundancers allowed Connie to take some time for herself to do what she loved and create friendships she truly couldn’t live without.
Connie loved showing horses, and like most other things she tried, was very good at it. Connie’s first Half Arabian show horse was one that she also bred. Little Mis Bleu, “Missy”, and Connie won a Regional Championship and Res Championship in Amateur Western Trail. Connie purchased her most beloved horse Hollywood Firecracker+//, “Marty”, in 2014. They made 5 trips to US Nationals in Tulsa, OK, from 2018-2025. They racked up 1-US National Championship, 7-US National Reserve Championships, and 9-US National Top 10’s in Amateur Showmanship, Amateur Ranch Riding, Amateur Western Trail, Amateur Ranch Trail, and Amateur Western Horsemanship. Her last US Nationals was just two months ago, where Connie and Marty brought home 3-Res National Championships and a Top 10. Sheer determination made this possible with everything she was going through medically.
Although her accomplishments in the horse world and on the Pickle Ball Court brought her much joy, they don’t compare to the pride she felt for her children and grandchildren. Nothing made her happier than to see the success and happiness of her children and their partners, and to see her grandchildren grow up. While raising her kids, she ran a strict household, but was always there for her kids, never missing a concert, game, or any other big event in their life. As they turned into adults, Connie enjoyed transitioning into becoming their friend and helping them navigate the struggles and beauty that come with age. In her final days, all four of her children, their spouses, and all of her grandkids showered Connie with love, compassion, and care, making sure she understood just how special she was to all of them.
Connie was pre-deceased by her parents, Howard and Mary Clover. She leaves behind her loving husband of forty-seven years, Lawrence J Chapman, along with their children; Lisa Thompson and her husband Weylin (Meridian, ID), Brandi Stringfield and her husband Drew (Eugene, OR), Tiffanie Bennett and her husband Jason (Cottage Grove, OR), and Ryan Chapman and his wife Margaret (Arleta, CA). Her five grandchildren; Chaz, Cantrell, Karli, Lafe, and Wesley; are honored to carry on her legacy. Connie is also survived by her 8 younger brothers and sisters (Nancy, Roger, Robert, Howard Jr, Tommy, Larry, Jenny, and Penny), many nieces and nephews, other extended family, lots of friends, and last, but certainly not least, her beloved animals; her horse, Marty, and dog, Allie. She is missed. She is loved. She will always be remembered.
A barn party (at Connie’s request) to celebrate her life will take place this coming spring or summer. In lieu of flowers for the family, Connie asked that donations be made to PeaceHealth Hospice in Eugene, OR (peacehealth.org).
“It’s not what you ride. It’s that you ride. It’s not how fast you go. It’s about enjoying the ride. It’s not about when you started riding, but continuing to ride each day”-@borninthebarn
