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Obituary for Bessie Elmira Willis
Bessie Elmira Willis, age 105, of Caldwell, Ohio, formerly of Bloomington, Illinois, died Friday, April 13, 2012, at Red Carpet Health Care Center in Cambridge. She was born May 4, 1906, near Mt. Ephraim, daughter of the late Blaine and Rosa White Bates. She was formerly employed as a department manager for Wieboldts Department Store in Chicago. She resided in Chicago from 1928-1976, and in Bloomington from 1976-2004. She was a member of the Church of Christ. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, William Elmer Willis, whom she married June 4, 1927, and who died February 23, 1989; two sisters, Mildred Moore and Goldie Wilson; and six brothers, Calvin, Virgil, Chester, Albert, Friend, and Orval Bates. Surviving are one brother, Richard (Rose Anne) Bates of Canal Winchester; four sisters-in-law, Lelia Bates, Eileen Hinkle, and Ruth Bates, all of Seville, and Mary Eunice (Charles J.) Coyle of Marietta; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and friends at Red Carpet Health Care Center. Friends may call Monday, April 16, 2012, from 12PM-2PM at McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, Caldwell, where the funeral service will be follow at 2PM with Pastor Jim Garrett officiating.Burial will follow at Sharon Cemetery.
