Lillie Bess

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Lillie Belle Ratledge Bess, 90, of Advance passed away Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006.

She was born July 7, 1915, at Delta, daughter of William Henry and Lydia Ulrich Ratledge. She and Virgil Bess were married Jan. 2, 1932. He preceded her in death Jan. 11, 1969.

Lillie and Virgil had eight children: Lyndell (Bonnie) Bess of Cape Girardeau, Darrel (Barbara) Bess of St. Louis, C.W. (Mary) Bess of Athens, Texas, Richard (Linda) Bess of Advance, Louise (James) Hinkle of Florissant, Mo., Jean Ezell of St. Louis, Carolyn (Don) Graves of Hillsboro, Mo., and Doris (John) Guzman of Advance. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Ella Mae Cagle of Florida.

Lillie was a lifelong resident of the Advance area. She was also a long time member of First Baptist Church of Advance, where she was a member of the women's missionary group. For several years she was active at the Advance Senior Center, working there as a cook. She was a great mother.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother and two sisters.

Friends may call at Morgan Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Advance First Baptist Church, with the Revs. Eric Shrum and C.W. Bess officiating. Interment will be in Bollinger County Memorial Park at Marble Hill, Mo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Advance First Baptist Church.