Mary Bell (Sivils) Kempton, aged 91, passed away on May 9, 2024, in Eureka, CA, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 10, 1932, in Sasakwa, Oklahoma, Mary was the cherished daughter of William and Willa Sivils. At the age of 2, she moved with her family to Arlington, Kansas, where she was raised and later graduated from Arlington High School in 1950.

Mary was known for her radiant smile and the warmth she brought into every room. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, Mary placed her family at the center of her life, loving them deeply and unconditionally. She was the matriarch and the steady rock that everyone relied on. Her culinary skills were a major part of family gatherings, with her handwritten recipes and the cherished cookbook from her high school graduation being prized family possessions. Though many have tried, no one could replicate her dishes quite like she could.

Mary was the only one among her seven siblings to venture far from the Midwest, yet maintained close bonds with them despite the distance. Her life with her husband, Fred Kempton, whom she was married to for 71 years, was filled with love and shared adventures, including numerous road trips with her siblings and memorable annual summer trips to Kansas.

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Fred Kempton; her children, William Kempton (Tina), Susan Johnson (Leonard), and Amy Kempton; grandchildren, Treggan Mullenix (Betty), Laura Sarvinski (Travis), Neil Johnson, Jason Schoenmehl, and Tiffany Chappelle, (Luke) ; great-grandchildren William and Shawn Chappelle, Olivia and Jett Sarvinski, and Luka Mullenix; her brother Kenneth Sivils; and many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, William and Willa Sivils; her daughter, Laura Chappelle; her grandson, Matthew Chappelle; and her siblings, Wilena Lander, Donna Kaufman, Lois Guthrie, Cleo Oliphant, and Arnold Sivils.

Mary’s life was a beautiful testament to the power of love and family, and she will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Mary’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.