Bessie Lois Gerber

Bessie Lois Gerber, a feisty young lady of 96, passed away at her home on December 16, 2024, leaving memories to hold close.

Bess was born in Soldier, KY to John and Sarah (Hamm) Clark. She attended Soldier school before studying business at Bliss Business College. Bess lived her young adult years in Columbus. After retirement from Sears, Commercial Sales Division, she and her husband, Earl Lester “Les” Gerber moved to Lake Okachobee, FL. The last 20+ years were lived back in Columbus, close to family.

Bess was mother to Jerome Gerber (Jerry and Nancy) and Virginia Lightfoot (Ginny & Gary). She found a special love in her grandchildren Denny Ulrey, Brian Gerber, Leslie Ulrey, John Gerber, John Bottorff and in her great-grandchildren Lindsey Demonjic and Brian Jerome Gerber. She was thrilled to hear that a great-great-granddaughter is expected in March. Loved by her were David Smith, Srdjan Demonjic, April Cleland, Gabe and Jamie Jacobs, Alia Coy-Smith and Donna Thomas. And precious to her were Heather Luscher and Sherry Cohagen. She will be missed by scores of nieces and nephews spanning multiple generations.

Bessie was preceded in death by her husband and parents; brothers, George Elbert, Harshel, Casey, Harold, and John Allen; and sisters, Lillian, Zelma, Ruth, Esther, Molly Jo, Mildred, Elsie Mae, and Ezma Clystia.

Bess was a very creative individual that loved to craft and make quilts. Her legacy includes hundreds of lovingly pieced quilt tops and 30 years of quilts made and gifted to loved-ones. She was also an avid country music fan.

Thank you to Capital City Hospice for the attentive and professional care that you’ve given Mom over the last 18 months.

Visitation will be Friday, December 20, 2024 at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221, from 9:30 - 11:30 with services immediately following.

Donations in her name to the Ohio State School for the Deaf, Capital City Hospice, or St. Jude’s are appreciated.