Bessie Farless

Bessie G. Farless, a resident of Huntsville, AL and long-time resident of McMinnville, was born May 6, 1917 and passed away October 27, 2012 at home following a short illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh Issac and Nannie Green Van Hooser; five brothers, Hugh Van Hooser, Nelson Van Hooser, Issac Van Hooser, Hoskins Van Hooser and Haskel Van Hooser; four sisters, Elizabeth Short, Dorothy Gillis, Margaret White and Nannie Lee Martin; husband, Leard Farless; and daughter, Sandi J. Irwin. She is survived by one son, Ervin L. "Lee" Farless, Jr. and wife Catherine of Huntsville, AL; brother, Bill Van Hooser of Ooletewah, TN; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. During World War II, Bessie worked in Detroit, MI where she installed the rivets inside the airplane wings. Her nickname at the plant was "Rosie the Riveter". Bessie served as a registrar for local, municipal, state and federal elections at the Warren County Court House. A long-time member of First Baptist Church, she was active in the Sunday School program and preparing meals for church gatherings. She was active with the Reflectors group. She loved to travel on their mystery trips and enjoyed the fellowship with the other members. As her health declined, she moved to Huntsville, AL to live with her son Lee and his wife Cathy. She also began to attend Central Church of Christ and became active in the SunRisers program. Bessie was a lifetime fan of the Atlanta Braves and attended home games as a part of her birthday celebration with the family for the past seven years. She was also an ardent fan of the University of Tennessee football and Lady Volunteer basketball programs. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 3, 2012 in High's Chapel with Mark Karki officiating. Burial will follow in the Shellsford Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until time of service Saturday at High's. Memorial contributions may be made to Lottie Moon Offerings at First Baptist Church or to Hospice of North Alabama in Huntsville, AL both c/o High's.