Bess Moler

Bess Moler, 107, passed away at the Putnam County Memorial Hospital in Unionville, MO, on Friday, June 21, 2019, five days short of her 108 ^th birthday.

Elizabeth I. “Bess” Moler was born in Coatsville, MO, on June 26, 1911, the daughter of Thomas Speece and Catherine Ellen (Riley) Moler, who preceded her in death. She moved to Unionville as a small child and graduated from Unionville High School in 1929. She then went to Culver-Stockton College for one year. Bess moved to Beaumont, TX, where she worked for Pure Oil Company. She also worked for Magnolia Petroleum Oil Company out of Indianapolis, IN, and the Texas Oil Company.

Bess enlisted in the WAAC (Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps) in 1943 and served until 1946, attaining the rank of 1 ^st Lieutenant. She was stationed at the Salinas Air Force Base in Salinas, CA, (home of the P-38 fighter planes) where she served in the Statistical Control Office. Bess worked for the Standard Oil Company in California upon her discharge and worked there until 1952 when she returned to Unionville to help care for her mother. She accepted a job at Farmer’s Bank as a bookkeeper and worked until her retirement in 1979.

Bess was a charter member of Broadlawn Baptist Church in Unionville and served there in many capacities. She was a member and past president of the Business and Professional Women’s Organization. She also belonged to the Rebekahs and was active in the Bridge Club, still playing regularly until the time of her death. Bess loved children and has been part of many children’s lives in the community. Bess had an honest and straightforward demeanor. She was generous to many organizations and activities in the community. She was able to stay in her own home until entering the hospital just two days before her death. She retained her excellent memory and sharp sense of humor all of her life.

Even though Bess outlived all of her family, she is survived by many close friends and neighbors. In addition, though Bess never had any children, she always claimed that her special angel was Shirley Crawford, a friend and caretaker for 40 years.

Bess was preceded in death by a brother, Joe Moler, and a sister Lucille Moler Johnson. She was also preceded by a niece, Lee Ann Moler, and a nephew, Thomas Leet Moler, as well as good friend, Gene Crawford, Shirley’s husband.

Memorial services for Bess Moler will be at Broadlawn Baptist Church in Unionville at 1:00 pm, Saturday, June 29. There will be no visitation. Inurnment will follow at the Unionville Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Broadlawn Baptist Church and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.