Jone Chappell, 70, founder of Lifeline Food Co., Seaside, Calif., marketers of better-for-you cheese products, passed away peacefully on June 29 in her home after a battle with cancer. Chappell was a visionary in the dairy industry. She started Lifeline Food in 1979 with little money and the goal of making the first 50% reduced-fat cheese, and later the first fat-free cheese. She developed formulas, found a cheesemaker and personally sold the product store to store in the early years. Her enthusiasm and zest convinced quite a few to stock her cheese, and once they did, sales grew and grew. Lifetime cheese products are now available throughout the country. The company is currently run by her nephew, Greg Chappell.
