Our Staff

Meet Our Caring Staff

Our staff is comprised of dedicated and licensed professionals with the experience to answer all your questions regarding our services. Please feel free to contact any of our staff members at any time.

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Theresa D. Zollars

Manager (Hopkins Chapel)/Licensed Mortician

Theresa grew up in the small Northeast Michigan village of Mikado. She graduated from Alcona High School and then joined the United States Navy. She spent almost five years in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman attached to the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. Theresa was first assigned to the pediatric department within the hospital, but a chance encounter and a lot of hard work allowed her the opportunity to be placed with the Navy Mortuary Affairs Department. Here she was tasked as the Burial at Sea Coordinator for the Navy Mid-Atlantic Region and was also the assistant to the Navy Morticians at NMCP. This opportunity opened the door for Theresa to be able to obtain an apprenticeship, to complete mortuary school at Norfolk State University, and eventually obtain her funeral service licenses in Virginia, North Carolina, and Michigan. She lives in Allegan and is married to Tim. They have one child. Theresa enjoys reading, spending time with family, animals, and camping.

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Tim Zollars

Manager (Allegan Chapel)/Licensed Mortician

Tim was born in Castle Shannon, PA and was raised in Chesapeake, VA after his father accepted a railroad transfer when he was just four years old. He graduated from Western Branch High School and later from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur, GA. Tim has worked in the funeral service industry since 1990 and obtained his funeral service license in 1994. The majority of his career was spent in the Hampton Roads, Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina areas, and, as such, he holds licenses in both states as well as in Michigan. Tim and his wife, Theresa, met while working for a family owned funeral home in Chesapeake, VA. They have been married for ten years and together have a daughter, Vivian. Tim also has a son, Timothy, Jr. that is an accomplished welder in the Chesapeake area. Tim is a 32nd Degree Master Mason with life membership at Seaboard Lodge #56 AF & AM in Portsmouth, VA and is also a member of the Portsmouth Scottish Rite Bodies. When not working, he loves to hitch up the camper and take the family away for a couple of days to relax by a campfire somewhere.

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Samuel Wallace

Manager (Fennville Chapel)/Licensed Mortician

Samuel John Wallace. He was born and raised right here in our lovely town of Allegan Michigan. Samuel is the middle son of 7 boys to Kent and Becky Wallace. He attended most of his grade school at Otsego Baptist Academy until he transferred to Allegan High from which he graduated in 2008. Samuel met his lovely Bride Tiffany Kincaid at Gorden Funeral Home during his closest friend’s funeral. They married later that year and now have 3 wonderfully wild boys, Liam Roswell, Remington Ty, and Zebulun John. Samuel is a family man and spends all of his time outside of work with his boys and wife. Samuel would then go on to work numerous jobs in varying capacities from factories, mining, road construction, pipe laying, welding, and framing. Through all that, Samuel realized his true gift was caring for people. And he accredits his talents and gifts because of his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. So, during a funeral visitation of another close friend he would pursue the funeral home and develop the drive to become a Licensed Mortician. Samuel started with Gorden and Chappell Funeral Homes fall of 2018, and after a couple months took on his apprenticeship while becoming fully licensed in the fall of 2021. His heart is to serve and care for the families that walk through these doors. This is the last place any of us want to see anyone, but having someone that you know, and trust is crucial during this season of your life. And that’s why Samuel chose to become a Mortician. So, he could serve his family and friends of Allegan County. And to be a compassionate, caring Director to patiently walk alongside our families during their loss.
Outside of my studies and career, I find solace and joy in the simple pleasures of life. Whether it is spending quality time with my family and friends, immersing myself in a captivating book, challenging my mind with intricate puzzles, or basking in the serene beauty of the beach, I savor every moment that brings me closer to what truly matters. My diverse interests and genuine love for connecting with others allow me to appreciate the beauty and richness of each experience, shaping me into a well- rounded and empathetic individual.

In a world filled with fast-paced chaos, I strive to create moments of peace, understanding, and connection, both in my personal life and professional endeavors. With a heart full of empathy and a mind eager to learn, I look forward to continuing my journey with an open heart, ready to embrace all the challenges and joys that come my way. Each day is an opportunity to grow, connect, and make a positive impact - and I am committed to living a life that reflects these values.

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Ronnie Ewing

Ordained Minister, After Care Specialist, and Spiritual Support

Ronnie started out as part time, but God had other plans! He now works full time supplying spiritual support for staff as well as families we serve. He lives in our Fennville location with his wife, Jenn, and Daughter Cora as well as their eccentric pooch, Rufio. Ronnie also is an ordained minister who loves outreach, and skateboarding. He has a long term goal with our Funeral Firm coordinating and putting together an AFTER CARE program for those who are grieving.

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Levi Morse

Funeral Assistant

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Casey Nolan

Funeral Assistant

Casey has been with Chappell since 2021 and has lived in the Fennville area since 2014, where she enjoys spending time with her husband Larry and raising their kids. Being able to work within the community to where she lives, enables her to connect with families, show support, kindness, and compassion. “It is a wonderful and fulfilling feeling to hope you made some kind of difference in someone else’s day by just listening or being by their side in times of darkness.”

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Tim Perrigo

Funeral Assistant

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Claire Michael Zollars

Certified Grief Therapy Dog and Funeral Assistant