After 78 years Bessie Ann Eggum was offered her angel wings. She claimed them on Saturday May 30, 2015 in the early evening at Big Sky Rehabilitation in Helena. She just got tired of all the doctoring and went to go bother her two sisters.
On November 8, 1936 she decided to share a birthday with the State in which she was born. Roughly 12 miles north of a little town of Hingham, MT. she became the third daughter of Jerry J. Kocar and Bessie A. Kocar. She joined the family with her sisters Emma, Bertha and, later, Carol.
On June 8, 1957 in Kalispell, MT a partnership with Lyle A Eggum was formed. Yes, if your calculations are correct that is 9 days shy of 58 years. This led to all kinds of teaching in the classroom in areas around the state of Montana. For 38 years she spent her days teaching several kids in Sunburst, Joplin, Glasgow and, finally, Helena. She was quiet about her Master’s in Education due to she didn’t want to become an administrator. Kids and their success were her main love.
An artist for fun, she was creative in stained glass, ceramics, photography, and, best of all, bossing her husband and son around. Traveling the backroads of Montana or any state was preferred over the interstate. Her buddy Lois or Ethel promoted antique furniture searches or fast trips to the Flathead for Cherries and Huckleberries. But most of all, watching the sunset over Canyon Ferry Lake from the front deck of the cabin was God’s personal gift to Bess.
If she had any regrets in life it would be not winning the lottery, not being able to spend more time with her grandson, making her husband buy that little black Mustang and not going away on a vacation with Tom Seleck. It would not be wise to hurt a wolf or, for that matter, any other animal around her. She would say she set a record outrunning a moose. Not too many people can say that.
Still kicking around this clod of dirt, she leaves her husband Lyle, son Kyle, daughter in law Jennifer, grandson Henry, the cutest dang little bugger, sister Bertha, borrowed daughters Susan, Julie and Carol, three great friends Ethel Pengra, Smithe Docktor and Mary Ann Rice, Cousin Marvin Cunningham and good friend Donna Hayes, the loving supportive neighbors in and around Winne Ave., and Tinker the Poodle.
Not able to see the sunsets anymore are her parents Jerry and Bessie, Sisters Emma and Carol Lou, five dog friends, Roscoe, Rambo, Boo, Moose, and Wimpy, and two of the orneriest, but loving, Siamese cats Leche and Bruiser.
You are invited to join us at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana for a memorial service to honor and say adieu to a great Montana teacher, Bess. A reception will immediately follow the memorial service in the social center of the funeral home. Memorials in Bessie’s name are suggested to Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit ww.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Bess.
So help us see our loving wife and mother off into the Montana sunset. Casual attire is recommended. Well, you know when you run all out of ornery it is time to turn off the lights on a life well lived.
CHERI says
I remember Bess out on the lawn of Irle School cutting rooster plaques with an electric saw for all the fifth graders to glue beans on. Sauerkraut, Grandma Rundle’s pickles and date filled cookies will always be with me when I remember Bess. Teach the angels grammar and math and how to write a proper letter. Fly high Bess because you will always be remembered.
Love Cheri and the Irish family
Susan says
And let us not forget Bess’s laugh. I know I won’t–it was truly the best. As I reminisce about the wild adventures my mother, sister and I were blessed to have taken with Bess (in the days where no one thought twice about throwing kids into the back of a pickup for a road trip), one of my favorite incidents took place in a motel in a tiny northeastern Montana town. That night, as we yakked in the dark to the chirping of the crickets out the window, we silly girls started making fun of “uncommon” family names. Bess exclaimed, “Who names their kid Bessie.” Your mama, Bessie. And you will forever be the most beautiful Bessie to have walked the earth. You were the epitome of an educator—you taught with dignity and humor. Quite simply put, there will never be another lady like you. Thank you for having been an important part of my life.
Susan says
Oh, and Cheri, do you remember the time Bess was pinning up the hem of your prom dress? After you stood so long, you said you weren’t feeling well. Bess told you to hush and turn ever so slightly. Wham–you passed out and fell to the floor. Such funny memories.
CHERI says
I do remember the prom dress incident. That hurt!! Bess plays into so many memories. Our lives and memories would be different without Bess playing such a huge part in them. Driving down Winne Street will always have Bess on my mind.
John Hilson says
It was sad to hear the passing of Aunt Bess. My memories of her are nothing but positive. While growing up in the 70’s, she never forgot my Birthday or Christmas. She was also a wonderful host when my family visited Montana. Her generosity will always be remembered. Please rest in peace.
Ann Curlee says
Bess, now you are at peace. You were a wonderful fellow teacher at H M S. You always made me laugh with your “don’t worry, we will outlast them” and we did. My thoughts and prayers for The family. Ann
PAM NYBO says
bess – your smile lit up a room – you are loved and will be greatly missed – so grateful you were a part of my life — so sorry we didn’t make it to Africa as we talked about! there is no more pain and God’s light shines on you.
Rob.Poirier says
Will remember a great 7th grade , homeroom teacher, whom, don’t know,how she put up w/ me am Danny Marshall,- but know we weren’t the 1st or last of, ? just shows how fun of a teacher she was that.– for sure,,, many students will remember her from all the good things, besides just teaching she brought us all….
Becky Bass says
What a awesome teacher, she put a stamp on my heart, and I’am also grateful, she was a part of my life, and Robby and Danny you proably where in my Homeroom. I will never forget the inpact she gave us. One wonderful person!!!!!
Thanks to her family, and thinking of you
Lyle Eggum says
Bess was a fantastic partner for just short of 58 years. Her talents were explored enough to make her love of seeing students succeed so they could say “Look what I have done because you said I could.’ . Please come Sat at two and share a story. Wear your jeans I am, its dress casual. Help Kyle and me send our loved one and your buddy to be fitted with her angel wings. Miss ya sweetheart, fly high!
Cathy McKinley says
Lyle- I did not know Bess but I do know you from my old job (live in Billings now) I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Cathy
Kris mikels says
My thoughts and prayers to the family. I never met this great lady,but heard very much about her from Marvin Cunningham and Donna Hayes. A true Montana Lady. Deepest Sympathy
Bob Krepps says
Beds and Lyle always opened their house to me and family when needed. We send our love and sincere regrets at Bess’s passing and hope that she is “trying on her wings”.
Tealen Hansen says
Bess was always very sweet and loving to me. I remember the times spent at her home fondly. My condolences to Lyle and Kyle and your family at her passing. May the Lord bless you with peace and comfort at this time.
Laura Naethe says
She will always be Mrs. Eggum to me. She had the ability to handle the tough kids that would make all the other teachers reconsider their work. She gave me a smile on a regular basis that said, “I can’t pummel her as she deserves….” . I was hoping to see her when I was up in August. She will be missed and remembered by so many of her former students.
Don Roberts and Marcee Allen says
Lyle and family,
I know you are missing your Bess and all that she was to you in life. She was a blessing…may God continue to bless you while you are kicking around here on Earth without her. We are thinking of you. A donation to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society will be made in Bess’ memory.
Phyllis (Hansen) Owan says
I am years late with my memories, saw the obituary when I was searching for the correct spelling of her last name. Friday afternoons always had wonderful art projects in Mrs. Eggum’s 5th grade classroom at Irle School in Glasgow, including the rooster decorated with beans — it hung in my mom’s kitchen until my parents moved when I was a freshman in collage and many of the beans fell off. I think Mrs. Eggum had back surgery in December, and I remember most of us kids went caroling to her house.
Henry says
I love every time I see here I was 2 years old I loved her kind heart soul my dad Kyle missed her and my mom jen missed here I remember going to her funeral and I miss her still I have her in ashes in my house and I go see them and think of fun memory I had with both Lyle and with Bess I love you grandpa , grandma ❤️❤️❤️