Bessie Marie Lefler

Bessie Marie Best, 77, of Galesburg, peacefully joined Jesus and her beloved husband on July 21st, 2016 at 1:55p.m. During her final days, she was surrounded by her loved ones. Bessie was born in Keokuk, Iowa on December 31st, 1938 to John and Mary Best (nee Dunn.) She met the love of her life, Harold Lefler, and married in Quincy, Illinois on April, 16th, 1958. They moved to Galesburg in 1970, where Harold founded Galesburg Termite and Pest Control. Over the years, Bessie worked in many different places, such as OMC and Admiral’s in Galesburg. She joined Harold at Galesburg Termite and Pest Control in 1975, and remained there until retirement. She is preceded in death by her husband Harold who passed December 25, 1997, and four siblings. She is survived by her children Diana (and Jim) Critser of Monmouth, Dan (and Michele) Lefler of Maquon, Stella (and Dave) McDorman of Galesburg and Charles Hardy of Sanford, North Carolina; step-children Harold “Kip” Lefler, III of Ormond Beach, Florida, and Linda (and Larry) Wright of Washington, Illinois, in addition to 5 siblings, 19 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and numerous great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly. She was very fond of going to flea markets with her husband Harold. Bessie was an avid collector of cookie jars and salt shakers, and also loved antiques. She loved classic country music such as Hank Williams and Conway Twitty, as well as hymnals. Bessie is best remembered for her unforgettable spunky personality, her keen wit, her quirky turn of phrase, and the fervid love she had for her family and God. She possessed a tireless enthusiasm for helping others. A visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. on Monday July 25, 2016, at Galesburg First Church of the Nazarene, 1501 Webster St., Galesburg, Illinois, followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. Pastor Rolland Grauman will be officiating. She will be laid to rest at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Galesburg, next to her husband Harold immediately following the funeral service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to Galesburg First Church of the Nazarene.