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Bessie M. Kibbe

Bessie M. Kibbe

Bessie M. Kibbe, age 91, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 16, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. Bessie was born November 7, 1928 in Gerry, NY to Frank and Minnie (Ornce) Olmstead. Bessie was a 1946 graduate of Cassadaga Valley Central School. She married Arthur C. Kibbe on May 15, 1948 in the Town of Charlotte.

Her 1946 CVCS yearbook asked “What if Bessie Olmstead weren’t ambitious?” Boy, was she! Bessie was a devoted mother to the six “D’s” and was never so happy as when she was working in a flower bed, splitting wood or volunteering. In addition to being a full-time mother and wife, Bessie worked several jobs over the years including at the local canning factory and tying and picking grapes. Despite a number of health challenges over the past 25 years, including three bouts of lymphoma, double knee replacement surgery and congestive heart disease, Bessie’s strong will, generous spirit and unwavering faith in Christ allowed her to regularly spread kindness. She exhibited genuine joy every day and always shared a polite “thank you” or “know you’re loved.”

Bessie was active for many years in the Park United Methodist Church, the Sinclairville Garden Club and the Valley Historical Society. Many will remember Bessie for bringing the joy of flowers to various locations throughout Sinclairville or for sharing her talent of whistling during bandstand concerts.

Bessie is survived by her husband of 72 years, Art; her children – Dave (Jean) Kibbe, Donna (Greig) Sewell; Dan (Cyndi) Kibbe, Darla (Arthur) Perry, Douglas (Christine) Kibbe, and Debra (Frank) Kibbe Jones; and her sister, Pauline Williams. Bessie also leaves a legacy of 21 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. The family is very grateful to Debbie Johnson for the caring and loving support provided to Bessie for the past several years.

Family and friends are invited to Jordan Funeral Home, 6 Park St, Sinclairville, NY on Thursday, February 20, 2020 from 4 to 7 pm for visitation. A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, February 21, 2020 at 11 am at Park United Methodist Church followed by a time of fellowship. Bessie’s son, Pastor Doug Kibbe, pastor of Church on the Rock, will officiate. Burial will be in Charlotte Center Cemetery, Charlotte Center, NY.

Bessie M. Kibbe

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Sinclairville Volunteer Fire Company, 30 Main St., Sinclairville, NY 14782, Sinclairville 76ers Meals on Wheels program, or the Valley Historical Society.