E. Marie Beesley, daughter of Clifford James and Ethel Marie (Johnson) Bland was born July 28, 1927 west of Gove, KS on a small grain/cattle farm. She passed from this world on June 10, 2020 at the age of 92.
Marie was the middle child of six; She had two older brothers, Clifford and Kenneth, a younger sister, Elinor, a younger brother, Wayne and an adopted brother, Don.
Marie graduated high school in 1945. After attending summer school, she began teaching in September 1945. She taught rural school for two years. During this time she met her future husband, Gail. They were of the same faith and married a year later on September 28, 1947. She and Gail were married for almost fifty-six years. They raised three children, Linda, Marvin and Jeanette. The family enjoyed traveling throughout the United States as a family.
Marie was a stay-at-home wife and mother. She served as the City Treasurer, Water Supervisor and assistant county Register of Deeds. Marie served in the local Methodist Church. She taught Sunday School classes, helped with the youth choir, sang in the adult choir, was involved with M.Y.F., and was a member of Eastern Star for over 50 years. She served in the nutrition program and on the Board of Directors for the Area Agency on Aging. She was co-chairman-treasurer when building the local Senior Center.
Marie enjoyed playing softball with both daughters. She loved crosswords, jig-saw puzzles and games; both board and computer. A family favorite was Marbles. Marie enjoyed sewing. She made clothes and many quilts. She gave most of those quilts away to others. She was an avid reader and wrote poetry. She enjoyed her vegetable garden and flowers.
Preceding her in death were her parents, three brothers, one sister, her husband, son-in-law, Jess Johnson and great-grandson, Vinn Justice. Mourning her passing are her brother Don Bland of McPherson, KS, and her three children, Linda Johnson of Quinlan, OK, Marvin Beesley and wife Susan of Gove, KS, Jeanette Burgardt and husband Don of Claremore, OK. Also mourning her loss are seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, other relatives and a host of friends.
Marie knew the Lord as her Savior and as a guiding force in her life. It can truthfully be said, “The world is a better place because she lived.”