Ruth Elaine Lachapelle

Ruth "Elaine" Shaw Lachapelle, 82, died on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at her home at Truewood Senior Living Community in New Bern, NC.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Jones Funeral Home in Jacksonville, NC. A private burial in Coastal Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery will be held at future time.

Elaine was born October 4, 1943, in Fairmont, West Virginia, daughter of the late Marion Earsel Shaw and Evelyn Bessie Harbert Shaw. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Robert J. Lachapelle, Jr. of Jacksonville, NC, and her sister Susan Ellen Antill of Hagerstown, Maryland. Elaine retired from Marine Corps Community Services at Camp Lejeune after 30 years of service as Supervisory Personnel Management Specialist. She was a member of Queen's Creek Methodist Church.

Survivors include daughter, Kimberly Lachapelle Christner (Nick) of Barhamsville, VA; son, Robert "Tiger" Lachapelle III (Karen) of Tarboro, NC; grandsons, Robert "Chap" Lachapelle, IV of Greenville, NC, and Copeland Ward Lachapelle (Carly) of Morrisville, NC.

Memorial donations may be sent to Queens Creek Methodist Church, 324 Hubert Boulevard, Hubert, NC 28539 in memory of Elaine.

Elaine was a proud Navy wife and thoroughly enjoyed military life, creating life-long friends who became family. She was actively involved in the Onslow County community, serving on boards and committees that assisted disabled veterans and individuals with special needs. A classically trained pianist, she spent endless hours playing the piano and in later years shared those talents at retirement homes. As music was a passion, she also enjoyed playing the dulcimer and other musical instruments. She was especially proud of her grandsons, Chap and Copeland. Any conversation with her was an opportunity for her to brag about them and their many accomplishments.

The family would like to thank the team at Truewood in New Bern, for their endearing support and active attention in making her feel loved. We would also like to thank her friends and extended family for their love and support.