Bessie M. Blackwell

Pittsburg ? Graveside services for Bessie M. Blackwell, 94, Pittsburg, will be at 1:30 p.m. today in Garden of Memories Cemetery in Pittsburg. Burial will follow in the cemetery.

Mrs. Blackwell died Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, at Medicalodge South in Pittsburg.

She was born May 24, 1910, in Independence, the daughter of Robert B. and Florence Freeman Beard. She graduated from Fredonia High School and attended Kansas State Teachers College, now Pittsburg State University.

Mrs. Blackwell taught school in Wilson County for five years. She worked at Montgomery Ward and Kansas Ordnance Plant. She retired in 1972 after working more than 20 years with the Census Bureau. She was a member of Presbyterian Church, Retired Federal Employees, AARP, Business and Professional Women’s Club, American Legion Auxiliary and Good Sam Recreational Vehicle Club.

She married Carl Blackwell on April 8, 1933, in Fredonia. He died Dec. 27, 1993.

Survivors include several nieces and nephews in the Lawrence area.

The family suggests memorials to the church memorial fund, sent in care of Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. Fourth St., Pittsburg 66762.