Miss Bessie M. Haynes, 93, Columbus, passed away Friday, November 14, 2008, at Medicalodge of Columbus.

A 16th generation descendant from Prince of Powys (who reigned in Shropshire, England in 600 A.D.), Bessie was born the daughter of Howard G. and Bessie Pearl (Owens) Haynes on April 16, 1915, in Scammon. At nine months, the family moved to the Center Star neighborhood, in 1928 moved to larger farm in Center Star District.

At the age of 15, Bessie became “The Lady of the House” as well as doing outside chores. She worked for Belt’s 10 Cent Store, Lowry’s Dept. Store, Maude Norton Hospital and the concession stand at the theatre on the south side of the square in Columbus. Bessie was also a self-employed area seamstress. Bessie worked at TB Sanitarium in Chanute and operated the lunch counter at the Chanute Bowling Alley.

She attended junior college receiving her GED and a degree in Business Administration. She took nurse’s training in Kansas City and became a Licensed Practical Nurse in March 1964. She worked for the Labette County Hospital in Parsons and retired in 1976 after 12 years.

She never married as she felt her fate in life was to take care of others. She cared for her father in his elderly years and was always ready to help any family or friend in need.

Bessie never knew a stranger and will be missed by many people. Her long life of service to others was exemplary. She loved the farm where she lived for so many years with her Dad. Her hobbies included crocheting, knitting and gardening. Due to the life of service she has lived, she surely received a nice reward in Heaven. Bessie made her confession to Christ on the last Sunday of 1939 and was baptized on the first Sunday of 1940 in the First Christian Church in Pratt.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Flossie, Mary and Goldie Ellen and is survived by a sister, Mildred Duckett of Columbus, many nieces, nephews, cousins and hosts of friends.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. today in the Murdock Funeral Chapel with Pastor Tom Goettel officiating. Interment will follow in the Edgmand Cemetery.