Carla “Melissa” O’Connor, 68, of Holton, KS passed away unexpectedly Friday, July 15, 2016 at her home. She was born March 3, 1948 in Walnut, CA the daughter of Robert Chapman, Sr. and Melba (Harrison) Chapman.

Melissa attended schools in Walnut, CA and had spent most of her life in Pomona, CA. She had lived in Holton since 1989. She worked at Medicalodges Jackson County as a cook and retired in 2010; after 14 years.  Melissa was a member of Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton. In July 1966 she married David O’Connor in Pomona, California.  The couple later divorced.

She is survived by her children, David O’Connor (Kim) of Holton, KS, Jennifer O’Connor-Fund of Holton, KS, Brian Hawkins of Port Orchard, WA and Mark Chapman of Topeka, KS; 2 sisters, Sharron Jenkins of Holton, KS and Donna Higgins of Canyon Country, CA; 5 grandchildren, Kris Fund, Kassidy Fund, Kory McDonald, Killian O’Connor and Ethen O’Connor and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and 3 brothers, Robert Chapman, Jr., Rex Bell and Jack Bell.

 Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2016 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the Holton Cemetery.  The family will greet friends from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to the Carla O’Connor Memorial Fund, to be designated later, and may be left in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com