Elizabeth Ann Sheetz
Elizabeth Ann “Bessie” (Lewis) Sheetz, age 98, daughter of David Roderick and Nellie A. (Heare) Lewis was born June 30, 1917 in Livingston County, Dawn, MO, and passed July 24, 2015 at the Golden Age Nursing Home in Braymer. At an early age she joined the Bethany Baptist Church. She graduated from Johnson School in Livingston County.
On May 15, 1940, she was married to Andrew E. Sheetz. They were the parents of a son, Ronald David, and a daughter, Beverly Ann (Sheetz) Collier.
Bessie lived most of her youth in the Dawn area and her married life was on t he farms in and around Braymer. After Andrew’s death, Oak Tree Square became her home for 18 years and then the Golden Age Nursing Home until her death.
Bessie was always busy. Besides performing the tasks of a farmer’s wife, she was a lunchroom cook at Braymer C-4 School and retired after 35 years of service. In the summers she worked at Tommy’s Café and the drive-in. Gardening, canning and making quilts were her favorite pastimes. She will be remembered by her family and friends for her loving, caring, hard work and willing to give and help those around her. The children and grandchildren will forever remember the homemade hot rolls that was a specialty served at the family gatherings.
Social clubs and contacts were always a part of her life. She was a member of the Catawba Club, Tobin Valley Club, Red Hat Club, and former member of the Eastern Star. Playing Skip Bo at Oak Tree and afternoon coffee with the ladies at the restaurant kept her informed of the local news.
Bessie was proud of Braymer and the people who made it the “Biggest Little Town in MO.” One of her most memorable moments came when she was called to be Grand Marshall of the 2007 Homecoming Parade, in the year of her 90th birthday. She never dreamed of this but was so honored.
We mourn our loss but rejoice to have shared so many years with such a beautiful, fine lady. May her spirit continue to remain in our hearts.
Bessie was preceded in death by her husband Andrew “Shorty” and son, Ronnie. Bessie’s parents and seven Lewis brothers also preceded her in death.
She is survived by one daughter, Beverly (Sheetz) Collier and son-in-law Larry of Sugar Land, TX; daughter-in-law, Dixie (Climer-Sheetz) Flamm of Cameron; five grandchildren, Brad (Hydi) Sheetz of Winston, Tricia (Rob) Bozarth of Pattonsburg, Preston (Stephanie) Sheetz of Cameron, Jerrod (Laura) Collier of Lindenhurst, IL, and Nichole (Kent) Smith of Natrona Heights, PA; fourteen great-grandchildren, Meagan, Andrew, Tanleigh, Bristol, Reiann Sheetz; Martika (Matt) (Sheetz) Kissick; Trevor and Dillon Ott; MacKinzie Street, Austin Sheetz; Katelyn and Kirsten Smith; Joshua and Marilee Collier; six great great-grandchilren, Faith Burnette, Khloe Ott, Grant, Quentyn and Maci Sheetz, and Daxton Sheetz.
Others who will remember her as Aunt Bessie are Eva Nelle, John, Betty Ann, Marie from the Lewis family and Bill, Bob, Gene, Carol, Judy, Laura, Barbara, Vernon, Erma, Martha, Marcia, Andrea, Sonny, Maxine, and Russell from the Sheetz family.
Funeral services for Elizabeth will be held on July 27, 2015, at the Pitts Funeral Home with Bob Vermillion officiating and Andy Derrickson will sing “In the Garden” and “How Great Thou Art.” Pallbearers will be Brad Sheetz, Preston Sheetz, Jerrod Collier, Drew Sheetz, Trevor Ott, Dillon Ott, and Austin Sheetz. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery at Braymer under the direction of the Pitts Funeral Home.
(paid obituary)
