Bessie R. Howard

In the early hours of April 6th Bessie Howard, a long-time resident of Webb Wills, who most recently resided with her daughter and son-in-law in Painted Post, left the loving care of her family to enter into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior.Bessie was born May 5, 1919, the 6th of 9 children born to Ralph and Esther (Etta) Baker of Westfield, PA.Bessie was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Otis Howard, her parents and all of her siblings and step-son, Eugene; step-daughter, Betty and granddaughter, Karen.Surviving are sons, Jim (Ann) Potter of Millerton, PA, Francis (Ruth) Potter of Watkins Glen, NY, Phillip (Edytha) Potter of Beggs, OK, Joe (Margaret) Potter of Horseheads, NY; daughters, Virgina (Earl) Talada of Daggett, PA, Betty (Tom) Bement of Painted Post, NY; step children, Ken Howard of Dalton, PA,Shirley Campbell of Elmira, NY; 45 grandchildren; 48 great grandchildren; 12 great, great grandchildren.Bessie was a member of the Webb Mills United Methodist Church.She loved her Church family and cherished the visits and cards received from Pastor Kim and members of the church.Bible study at the home of her life-long, wonderful, caring neighbors, Wally and Gretchen Hunt was very important to her.Bessie was also a proud member of the Webb Mills Fire Department Auxiliary.In addition to family, friends, and neighbors, Bessie leaves behind her loving pet and companion, Teddy.The family would like to send their appreciation to Southern Tier Hospice, especially to Denise, Robin and Marilyn.And a special thank you to Bessies caregivers over the years and especially to Connie Scott for her love and compassion these past 2 months.Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira, NY 14904 on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral Services will take place on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at 11:00 AM in Webb Mills United Methodist Church with the Reverend Joseph Kim and Reverend David Hays officiating.Burial will take place at a later time in the Webb Mills Cemetery at the convenience of the family.Memorials in Bessies name can be made to the Webb Mills United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 196, Pine City, NY 14871, Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 East Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830 or The Alzheimers Support Group C/O Office of the Aging, P.O. Box 588, Elmira, NY 14902.Those wishing may leave a Candle of Remembrance for the family in Obituaries at www.olthof.com.