Steina J. Standerfer Bessette, Topeka

Mrs. Bessette died Friday, Jan. 14, 2005, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka.

She was born June 12, 1932, in Hartshorne, Okla., the daughter of Roy and Johnnie G. Standerfer. She lived in Kansas for 54 years and lived in the Carbondale community for the past 23 years.

Mrs. Bessette retired from Blackburns Nursery Inc. in 1997. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Overbrook and St. Matthew’s Parish in Topeka.

She married Harold E. Bessette. He died in 1974.

A son, Eldon Lee Bessette, died in 1992.

Survivors include her mother, Topeka; two daughters, Sandra J. O’Kelly, Lyndon, and Cynthia A. Rodman, Topeka; three sons, Edward G. Bessette, Pomona, Steven E. Bessette, Carbondale, and J.R. Harold E. Bessette Jr., Overbrook; a sister, Twilla L. McKee, Topeka; a brother, Bobby Ray Standerfer, Marlow, Okla.; 17 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A rosary will begin at 6 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, where the family will receive friends after the rosary until 8 p.m.

The family suggests memorials to American Cancer Society or American Heart Assn., sent in care of the funeral home, 800 S.W. Sixth St., Topeka 66603.