Bessie Sutton

Bessie was born on September 29, 1916 and passed away April 16, 2014 at the age of 97. Bessie was born in Tacoma, WA to Lester Kanzleiter Sr. and Neva Bush. Her mother died giving birth to a baby girl during the great flu epidemic when Bessie was only two years old. Her baby sister was given away to another family before she was named. A few years later, her father took the family to Kansas. In 1929, she moved to Toppenish where she eventually married George and gave birth to her daughter, Irene. In 1953, the family moved to Tacoma where they converted a berry weighing station into their permanent family home.

She was survived by her daughter, Irene Frelin, two grand-daughters, Debbie Stayman and Julie Kanikkeberg, and great grand-son, Dale Kanikkeberg. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Sutton, and her two older siblings, Lester Kanzleiter, Jr. & Lillian (Etta) Marshall.

Bessie was a devoted homemaker, mother & grandmother. She faithfully volunteered her time running the bingo program at the Tacoma Lighthouse Senior Center for over 30 years. She loved bingo, puzzles, games, watching birds, and socializing with family and friends. She was beloved by many people who were blessed by her laughter, virtue, and kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tacoma Lighthouse Senior Center.