HARRIS BESS

SIKESTON -- Harris A. Bess, 74, died Saturday, Nov. 15, 1997, at her residence in Sikeston.

She was born June 15, 1923, at Illmo, the daughter of Dr. H.V. and Lucile Fink Ashley Sr.

She married William W. "Bill" Bess on March 1, 1944, in Cape Girardeau. He died March 23, 1997.

She was a 1943 graduate of the University of Missouri in Columbia, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She was a charter member of the Sikeston Junior Women's Club and was a member of the Coalesce Club of Sikeston. She served on the Cotton Boll Area Girl Scout Council for many years, including serving as the council cookie chairman for more than 30 years.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston and was a member and past-president of the United Methodist Women. She served as chairwoman of Circle Two of the United Methodist Women for more than 20 years.

Survivors include two daughters, Ann B. Matthews and Martha M. Kiesling of Sikeston and four grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a brother and sister.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church in Sikeston. The Revs. Dr. Jim Davis and Fred Leist will officiate.

Burial will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston.