Hawbaker, Bessie L. (Houston) 1915-2009

HAWBAKER, HOUSTON, JORDAN, HARLOW, BOWERS

Posted By: Ernie Braida (email)
Date: 11/6/2009 at 19:21:02

Bessie Lenore Hawbaker was born in Valley Junction, Iowa December 4, 1915. She was one of three children born to Mida Mae Bowers and Earl David Houston. Bess grew up in Des Moines; graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1932.

Bess was united in marriage to George Jordan in 1935. To this union two children were born. Bess was later married to David Harlow in 1946. To this union 1 child was born. Later Bess was married to Virgil Hawbaker in 1984.

Bess spent the majority of her adult life in the Dallas Center area. For many years Bess worked for Iowa Children and Family Services; retiring in 1977. About 8 years ago Bess moved to Knoxville to be near her daughters.

Bess was a talented individual with a variety of skills: designing and sewing clothes as well as arranging flowers. Bess enjoyed nature especially bird watching and flowers. She collected statues of birds. Bess also liked to travel and camp. She was always ready to go.

Bess’s first love was her family. Her apartment was wall papered with family photos. She gathered the female relatives on a regular basis to eat out and celebrate their birthdays.

Bessie Lenore Hawbaker passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at the Knoxville Area Community Hospital at the age of 93 years, 4 months and 4 days.

Preceding her in death were her parents, three husbands and two brothers, Robert and Richard Houston.

Those left to mourn her passing are three children, Grant Jordan and his wife, Martha of Winterset, Rae Berhow of Knoxville and Penny Bray and her husband, Virgil of Knoxville; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 2:00 pm at Williams Funeral Home in Knoxville. There will be a gathering of friends and family following the service at the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville. Interment will be at a later date in Jordan Cemetery, West Des Moines, Iowa.

Williams Funeral Home April 14, 2009