Lorraine M. Chaput, age 80, died Sunday, October 25, 2009 at Mt. Joseph Senior Community, Concordia, KS. Mrs. Chaput was born October 12, 1929, at Greeley, Nebraska to Frank & Rose (Vanosdall) Thiel. Survivors include two step-sons, Terrill "Terry" Chaput & wife Doris, Abilene, KS and John Paul Chaput, Overland Park, KS; a sister, Helen Walker, London, KY; 12 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; & 11 great great grandchildren.

Mrs. Chaput was preceded in death by her husband, John A. Chaput; a step-daughter, Karla & her husband Wallace Reinke; her parents; 1 sister & 1 brother; 3 half sisters & 3 half brothers.

Mrs. Chaput was a retired school teacher, having taught grade school in Salina, Damar, Schoenchen, Gorham, New Almelo & Concordia, KS. She also taught in Chicago, IL. After earning her Ph.D. in economics from Fordham University, NYC, in 1966, she taught economics at Marymount College, Salina and then at Cloud County Community College for many years.

Mrs. Chaput's non-academic activities while at Marymount College include: member of the Screening Committee for President of Marymount College (1967-68); Dorm Supervisor (1966-68); Secretary of Faculty Affairs Committee (1968-69); member of Student Financial Aid Committee (1968-69); member of Steering Committee for North Central Review Examination (1969); member of Steering Committee for Funding (1969-70); Director of Lay Women's Retreat at Marymount (1966-71); member of the Board of Directors of St. John's Hospital, Salina (1970-72) and Chairperson of the Commission on Finance for the Sisters of St. Joseph (1971-72).

After moving to Concordia when she married John A. Chaput on December 23, 1972 in El Dorado, KS, Mrs. Chaput was Director of Religious Education at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church (1979-1987); President of Meals on Wheels (1974-1982); member of Pastoral Council at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church (2001-2004) and a member of the Altar Society since 1972.

Mrs. Chaput's visitation will be from 9 AM to 9 PM with an Altar Society Rosary at 5 PM and Bible Vigil and Rosary at 6:30 PM, Tues., Oct. 27, 2009 at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM, Wed., Oct. 28, 2009 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church with Rev. Barry Brinkman officiating. Burial will follow at St. Concordia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Concordia Food Bank or the Sisters of St. Joseph.