Margie Bess

Margie Bell (Wehrli) Bess, 94, of Metamora, IL, formerly of Washington, IL, passed away peacefully at 1:20AM, February 20, 2016, at Snyder Village Health Center in Metamora. Margie was born on November 16, 1921, in Washburn, IL to Ernest and Hazel (Hofstatter) Wehrli. She married Henry Bess on May 6, 1942, at Washburn Christian Church. They lived for over 55 years in Washington, IL before Hank preceded Margie in death on August 2, 2005. Margie was also preceded in death by her younger sister, Betty Connett, and her older brother, Ray Emerson Wehrli, as well as her sister-in-law and friend, Abbie Wehrli. Surviving are Hank and Margie's three children, Terri (Tom)) Schergen of Woodbridge, VA, Rick (Laura) and Barbara Bess both of Washington, IL, and her grandson David (Danielle) Bess of Peoria, IL. Other surviving relatives include nieces Lynn Parkis and Cynthia (Chandler) Hancock of Vero Beach, FL, Kristine Chapin (Jon Olson) of St. Paul, MN, and Romelle Wehrli (John) Marshall of Hinsdale, IL. Lynn, Kris, and Cynthia loved Margie and Hank as "second parents" after the death of their own. Margie graduated from Washburn High School and Brown's Business College in Peoria, and worked in Peoria in the early years of her marriage. She later did substitute teaching at a private kindergarten in Washington. She taught Sunday school class and was active in church and women's clubs when her children were in school. She enjoyed her pinochle and bridge clubs into her later years, and played online bridge until a couple of years ago. She was also a good seamstress and made many clothes for herself daughters and nieces. After retirement, Hank and Margie divided their time for many years between their two homes, which they built in Washington and at Twin Lakes, CO in the summer as well as their travel trailer in Phoenix, AZ in the winter. They also enjoyed traveling around the United States. Margie resided at Snyder Village for over 10 years, moving to a cottage there after the death of Hank. Margie loved the Lord and shared her faith with many. Her primary focus throughout her life was her husband and her family, although she also dearly loved kitties and had one as a pet through the years until she moved to Metamora. She will be missed by many, but most of all by her family. A private service for family will be held, with burial in Glendale Cemetery in Washington. Memorials in her name may be given to the Willow Hills United Methodist Church who provided church services at Snyder Village where she faithfully attended or a charity of your choice. Notes of condolences for the family may be made by visiting www.masonfuneralhomes.com.