Bessie Ellen Kiper

Bessie Ellen Kiper, 90, of Bloomington passed away at home with her daughter by her side at 8:58am September 18, 2015. She was born September 16, 1925 in LeRoy, IL to Andrew and Lillie Dye. She was married to Orville Kiper June 19, 1968. She was an office clerk for Kmart for many years. She loved traveling, especially spending time in Nashville, IN for shopping, dining, and shows at the Little Nashville Opry.

Bessie is survived by her daughters Beverly Brickey (Bill) of SanTan Valley, AZ, Debra Freeman (Robert Gage) of Tool, TX, and Tracy Gresham (Matt) of Bloomington, IL; grandchildren Robert Sawatzki (Lisa) of Bloomington, IL, Nicole Crowson (Jeremy) of Gilbert, AZ, Shannon Henry(Charlie) of Ponca City, OK, Shasta Olmstead (Luke) of Newkirk, OK, Darcy Stevens (Chris) of Conroe, TX, Stephanie Delbridge and Brandon Freeman (Lacy)of Portland, OR; and many great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, special friends such as Nikki Parker, Michelle Beeler, Marsha Beeler, Melissa Beeler, Angie Builta, Cathy Richardson, Rashonda Jackson, Mary Shaefer, bestest little friend Hayleigh Guy, Scrappy, and her beloved cat Sophie.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Orville, her son Michael Benander, her parents and her siblings, James Dye, Tom Dye, Jack Dye, and Mildred “Doll” Sergent.

Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to the Humane Society or to OSF Hospice.