Bessie Estep

(From Greenfield Funeral Chapel)

Bessie Lorene Estep, of Greenfield, MO, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, MO at the age of 93.

She was born on January 24, 1931 to Bryan and Nellie (Ward) Kessler near Humansville, MO. Bessie attended grade school at Lotus Springs Country School located near Liberty Baptist Church. She was advanced in school and the teacher had her skip the 4th grade. It was evident she remained sharp throughout the years, when she would beat you in a game of cards.







Bessie graduated from Greenfield High School in 1947. She was the youngest of five children. Bessie enjoyed scrapbooking, card making, all kinds of puzzles, and was an avid K.C. Chiefs fan. In younger years, Bessie was often found at the sewing machine making dresses for her and the girls. She was united in marriage to Raymond Estep on March 26, 1948. They were blessed with 70 years together before Raymond “Goober” died. Bessie was a longtime member of Liberty Baptist Church.

Her last year on earth, she was blessed with many friends and staff members of the Residential Care Facility at the Good Shepherd Community Care and Rehabilitation Facility.

Bessie was preceded in death by her parents Bryan and Nellie Kessler; her husband, Raymond Estep; three brothers, Lee Kessler, Bill Kessler, and Bob Kessler; and one sister, Elsie Wilson. She is survived by two daughters, Becky Moore and husband Mike of Springfield, MO and Sandy Divine and husband Rex of Stockton, MO; four grandchildren, Babette Moore, Michael Moore, Brad Divine and wife Julie, and Julie Bird and husband Mike; five great-grandchildren, Lauren Duncan, Brook Duncan, Brendan Bird, Brice Bird and wife Stephanie, and Bowen Bird; two great-great-grandchildren; King Duncan and Ellie Duncan; and a special cousin, Marilynn Doll

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Liberty Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Liberty Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Baptist Church or to the R.C.F. at Good Shepherd Community Care and Rehabilitation Facility. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.