Bessie A Smith's Obituary
Bessie Alice Smith, age 85, of Fredonia, Kansas, died Saturday, March 31, 2012 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. Bessie was born on May 15, 1926 in Chetopa, KS, the daughter of Robert Glen and Quintillis (White) Carter - Richmire.
Bessie graduated from Chetopa High School, she then attended Coffeyville Community College and then went on to Pittsburg State, where she got her teaching degree. On August 4, 1946 Bessie married George W. Smith in Chetopa, KS. Bessie and George were married for 63 years until his death of May 7, 2010.
Bessie was a member of the First Christian Church in Fredonia. She was active with the D.A.R. and the Tuesday Study Club. Bessie enjoyed reading and doing genealogy. Most of all, Bessie enjoyed her friends and family.
Bessie is survived by:
Son:
Ronald Smith and his wife Anita of Fredonia, KS
Daughter:
Kathleen Austin and her husband Mike of Carthage, MO
Brother:
Robert Carter and wife Wilma of Chetopa, KS
Grandchildren: Scott Smith and Wife Darcy of Ft. Scott, KS, Shawn Smith and wife Amy of Lenexa, KS, Michael Walters of Pittsburg, KS, Julie and Josh Simmons of Alba, MO., Amanda Campbell of Carthage, MO., Kristy Campbell of Joplin, Mo., Matthew Walters and Loree of Pittsburg, KS., Justin and wife Cherie Austin, and Michelle and husband Nathan Wilson of Monett, MO., and 16 Great Grandchildren.
Bessie was preceded in death by her parents; husband George and sister Leona Wright
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at the First Christian Church in Fredonia with Pastor Milo Steffen officiating, burial to follow at the Fredonia City Cemetery. Friends may sign the register book on Tuesday April 3, 2012 from 1-5 at the funeral Home. Memorials have been suggested to either the First Christian Church of Fredonia or the Fredonia Flag Fund and may be left with the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Services have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 420 S. 20th St., P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736
What’s your fondest memory of Bessie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bessie?
Share a story where Bessie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bessie you’ll never forget.
How did Bessie make you smile?