Bessie Marie Bain

June 15, 1928 — May 14, 2019

Bessie Marie Bain, 90, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, passed away with her family close by, on May 14.

Bessie was born June 15, 1928, in Marshtown, the third of nine children.

 Bessie’s father began coming to Minnesota fishing in the late ‘40s. He spent his time fishing bluegills on Grave Lake and walleyes on Little Bowstring Lake. In the summer of 1959 he brought word to the family that Waino Anttila’s resort on Little Bowstring was for sale. A purchase agreement was made and in August 1959. Bob and Bessie Poenix and children arrived at the resort in Suomi, Minnesota. In addition to running the resort, they also raised a herd of buffalo for many years. Bessie took pride in the fact that she was a home health aide and helped many people back to health with her visits.

Bessie returned to her home area in Indiana for a number of years to take care of her mother and was an active member of the Pulaski County REACT.

She returned to the Grand Rapids area in 2002 to be close to most of her family.

She was known for knitting and donating many hats to school children, cancer patients and her own large family. 

Her last days were spent at the Grand Village in Grand Rapids. 

Bessie is survived by her children: Norman Ford, Virgil Biddinger, Wayne Ford, Janet Maki, June Feltus, Robert Poenix Jr. and Lorrie Pratt; sisters: Verna Hugel, Jean Caldwell and Luella Mullins; brother Ralph Mullins; stepchildren and families; 25 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death are her parents Charles and Ida Mullins; sisters: Zora Lee Conner, Esther Bixler and Mary Collins; brother Leroy Mullins; stepson Jack Poenix; stepgranddaughter Jenny Terry; infant granddaughter Rita Biddinger; granddaughter Marisa Bergman; husbands: Clyde Ford, Robert Poenix and John Bain.

As per her request, no services will be held. The family had a private memorial while gathered for her passing. 

(Pulaski County Journal — May 22, 2019)

Pulaski County Journal

114 W. Main Street
Winamac, IN 46996

(574) 946-6628
 

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