Bessie Iva Perkins

Bessie Perkins, 97, of Princeton, IA, (formerly of Unionville, MO) passed away at the West Wings Place Nursing Home in De Witt, IA, on Thursday, May 15, 2014. She had been a resident there for three and one-half years.

Bessie Iva (White) Perkins was born in Mendota, MO, on June 24, 1916, the daughter of Earnest Delbert and Lillie Bell (Baugher) White, who preceded her in death. She was reared in the Mendota area and she married Gale Perkins in Unionville, MO, on April 15, 1935. He preceded her in death in 1995.

Bessie and Gale lived most of their married life in Putnam County where they farmed and Gale worked in the coal mines. Bessie often cared for the farm while Gale was at the mines and she did everything a farmer did: work with cattle and hogs, build fence and take care of the place. In addition to that, she fulfilled the role of a farmer’s wife and a mother to two girls. Bessie loved the farm and thought every day was a beautiful day. She kept a sunny disposition throughout her life. Bessie liked to sew and raise a garden. She was a member of the Happy Homemakers Club in Omaha, MO.

Bessie and Gale moved to Princeton, IA, in 1995 to be closer to family. In retirement she liked to read and travel, always being ready to go when she got the call.

Bessie Perkins is survived by two daughters, Norma Bell Norton and husband Edward of Camanche, IA; and Melva Arlene Fuqua and special friend Tucker Hill, of Princeton, IA. Surviving grandchildren are Beth Ryner and husband Carl, Denise Breason, Teresa Baumbach, and Robert Valentine. Bessie is also survived by twelve great grandchildren and 16 great-great grandchildren as well as two sisters, Iris Andeway of Centerville, IA, and Reva Carter of Bolivar, MO. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Others who preceded Bessie in death were her siblings: William Delbert White, Lola Morgan, Jennie Carter, Dulcie Andrew, Dovie Gallo, Elva Shadden, and George White. A granddaughter, Donna Kinkaid, also preceded her in death.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff of West Wing Place for all of their love, care and kindness.

Graveside services for Bessie Perkins will be held at the Thompson Cemetery, east of Unionville, MO, at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, May 21, 2014. Interment will be at the Thompson Cemetery. Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to the Thompson Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th, Unionville, MO 63565.