March 18, 1928 – April 13, 2020
Wilma J. “Chick” Partlow, 92, of the south side of Ekin, went to be with Jesus on April 13, 2020. Chick was born on March 18, 1928 in Indianapolis. She was the daughter of the late Harry and Sina Chappell. She was a cheerleader at Fortville High School, graduating with the Class of 1946.
During her younger years, Chick helped her parents run the family business, Chappell’s Restaurant. The restaurant was a Fortville institution serving short orders and full meals, but their 10 percent butterfat ice cream was what really drew a crowd. Considered by most of their customers as a food item, not a delicacy, it was always the star attraction of the menu.
On June 7, 1950, Chick married the love of her life, Kenneth “Pete” Partlow. If ever two people were meant to find each other in life, it was Chick and Pete. Chick passed away at their home in Ekin, just four days after Pete. The couple had a wonderful sense of humor, and anyone who knew them, knew that wherever they went, laughter was never too far behind. Chick was considered the Mayor of Ekin and would always play along whenever someone would refer to her as “Your Honor.” The Mayor was never hard to spot when she was out and about – you just had to look for the sedan with the license plate EKIN 1. Whenever Pete was asked if being married to Chick made him Deputy Mayor, Pete would respond, “No. I’m the Sheriff, but I think I only got the job because I’m married to the Mayor.” That was usually followed by Chick shaking her head in disbelief and everybody within earshot laughing. Chick and Pete loved being around people, and in turn, people loved being around them. Chick was a social butterfly who enjoyed going off with her girlfriends on different trips and cruises but traveling around the country with their son Jeff is what she and Pete enjoyed the most. Pete may have been the love of Chick’s life, but Elvis was a close second.
Chick is survived by her son, Jeff Partlow, Ekin; granddaughter, Jessica Cooper; great-grandsons, Isaiah and Mikey Cooper; brother, Jerry Chappell; and sister, Jane Mayhew.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and by her siblings, Russell, Margie, Pauline, Betty Jean, Irene, Ronnie, Larry, Paul, Dale, Vivian and Dick.
Through the recommendation of our public health officials with regards to public health and safety, private family services will be held at this time.
Chick and Pete will be laid to rest at Boxley Cemetery located in Boxley, Ind.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com