Constance Ann Chambers

Constance Ann (Straley) Chambers left this world on July 5, 2025. Connie was born on December 1, 1944 to Calvin and Dorotha Straley in Ft. Wayne, IN. She was soon joined by her younger brothers, Larry and John Straley. Connie grew up in Monticello, IN and graduated from Roosevelt High School. Her teenage years were spent on the shores of Indiana Beach, swimming and dancing. Like all girls her age, she was crazy about Elvis.

Connie’s life changed in 1963 when she had her first of four children. Motherhood and home building were second nature to her. Luckily, all of her kids are “geniuses, tall and gorgeous…like their mother.” Connie created beautiful homes, she was a gifted decorator, a talented chef, and a master gardener. She was a lover of dogs, particularly the Bulldog. And that’s where her life’s work pivoted. When Connie was done raising kids, she started raising Bulldogs.

Connie was the Legend in Cherokee Legend Bulldogs. Her accomplishments are unmatched, including 76 All-Breed Bests in Show, 414 Bests in Specialty Show, and producing top-winning Bulldogs like CH. Cherokee Mardel Sage and GCH. Cherokee Legend Encore. A Bulldog Club of America Hall of Fame breeder, she also held the record for most dogs in the National Gallery with her partner Cody Sickle and had the #1 Bulldog stud in the U.S. 12 times. Beyond her accolades, Connie was celebrated for her warmth, leadership, and mentorship, leaving an indelible mark on the Bulldog and dog show communities.

Connie is survived by her best friend and life partner of 56 years, Jeff Chambers, and her children Michael Fought, Timothy (Monica) Fought, Angela (Jim) Carr, and Stephanie Simenauer. Amazingly, these four kids created even more gorgeous and brilliant grandchildren for Connie: Andrea Fought, Eliot Fought, Grace Fought (Jack Gawaluck), Sam Fought, Joe Fought, Jimmy Carr, Timothy Carr, Emily Simenauer, Eli Simenauer and Eva Simenauer. Angela Carr has two granddaughters, Lilly and Daphne Adams, who made Connie “great.” She’s also survived by her dear brother Larry (Lola) Straley and her nephews and niece: Steven Straley, John C. Straley (Yuko), Amy Straley, John W. Straley (Tina) and Joe Straley. Connie was a true matriarch, a favorite aunt, an adored big sister, and loved by all who knew her.

Connie was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ralph and Rosa Work, her aforementioned parents, and her brother John Wesley Straley.

Funeral services will be held privately for family.

Constance Ann Chambers was a force in this world. Her absence is profound. Her legacy is far-reaching.