Bessie Pauline Lepper , 81 of Centralia, died Monday November 5, 2018 at her home.

A celebration of Bessie's Life will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Bessie's Home (123 W. Sims, Centralia, MO).

Bessie was born on May 28, 1937 in Colton, CO, the daughter of George and Josephine (Robinson) Gotcher.

In December of 1954 Bessie married Kenneth Wayne Ward, he preceded her in death, she later married Kenneth Leroy Lepper, he also preceded her in death.

Bessie will be greatly missed by her family, Debbie (Ward) Calvert and husband Robert, Kenny (Spook) Ward and wife Joyce, Nelda (Ward) Beamer all of Centralia, George Ward and wife Barb of Portland, MO; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews; brothers, Jimmy Gotcher of Ewa Beach, HI, Joseph Gotcher of Springs Valley, CA, and Richard Gotcher of Montgomery City; step-son, Larry Dean Griggs.

Along with her parents and husbands, Bessie was preceded in death by a son, Larry Ward, son-in-law, Johnny Beamer, grandchildren, Kyle and Ronnie Cooley, infant grandson, Jason Ward; grandson, Kenny Griggs; sister, Peggy Douglas, brothers, JD Gotcher, Gene Gotcher, and Clyde Gotcher; step-children, Judy Derboven, Gary Griggs.

Bessie loved spending time with her family and loved being Grandma. She enjoyed cooking, fishing, camping, and gardening.

Along with being a homemaker, Bessie held several jobs, including, owning and operating and restaurant/pool hall in Clark, then later worked and retired from 3M.