Bessie May Brown-Leesley

Mapleton Press
8 February 1973

Mrs. Bessie Leesley, 84, of Mapleton, formerly of Smithland died on Thursday, February 1, 1973 at the Maple Heights Nursing Home after a long illness.

The former Bessie White was born May 24, 1888 at Washta, Iowa. She was a resident of Smithland for many years before moving to Maple Heights after a fall at her home in 1969. Mrs. Leesley was a member of the United Church of Christ at Oto and the Smithland American Legion Auxiliary.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Fern Knibbs of Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada and Mrs. Loren Bainbridge of Smithland; one son, Radie Brown of Carlyle Lake, Canada; four stepchildren, Mrs. Don Jarett of Denver, Colorado, Dean Leesley of Perry, Iowa, Tommy Leesley, Jr. of Oto, and Mrs. Vern Brownmiller of Marcus; 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 3, 1973 at the United Methodist Church at Smithland. The Rev. H. A. Smidt officiated.

Pallbearers were: Richard Allen, Cecil Bainbridge, Dennis Bainbridge, Jack Bainbridge, Roger Bainbridge and Roy Struble.

Burial was at the Smithland Cemetery.

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