Wright County Monitor
Clarion, Iowa
Thursday, May 31, 1979

Funeral services for Bessie Echelberger, 66, of Dows, were held from the United Methodist Church on Friday, May 25, 1979 at 10:30 a. m. with Rev. Gordon Vickery officiating. Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery at Dows.

Bessie died unexpectedly at her home Monday, May 21, 1979. She was born September 5, 1911 in Blairsburg, Iowa, the daughter of Albert and Eva Janes Thurmond and was raised and educated around the Webster City area.

She was united in marriage to Merle Echelberger on July 21, 1929 in Cedar Rapids. After moving to Dows in 1945, she worked as a telephone operator for 18 years. She and her husband also owned and operated a restaurant for a few years in Dows and Bessie also was a school cook at Dows High.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Dows, the American Legion Auxiliary and various church circles.

She is survived by three sons, Donald of Claremont, California, Richard of Jacksonville, Florida, Gary of Iowa Falls, three daughters, Mrs. Frank (Constance) Deason of Romona, California and Mrs. Darwin (Diana) Norem of Hampton. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 5 brothers, Raymond Thurmond of Eagle Grove, Lloyd Thurmond of Ft. Dodge, Harry Thurmond of Conoga Park, California, Clifford of Webster City, Everett of Williams and five sisters, Mrs. Gordon (Ada) Banks of Eagle Grove, Mrs. Mike (Nellie) Adams of Eagle Grove, Mrs. Ronald (Leatha) Kimzey of Pomona, California, Mrs. William (Ethel) Kunkle of Omaha, Nebraska and Mrs. Jack (Verdelle) Correll of Upland, California.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one sister, Willim Funeral Home in Dows had charge of arrangements.
Contributor: Eileen Reed (50182572)