Charlie Ivey

Charlie Bess Morgan Ivey

Mrs. Charlie Bess Morgan Ivey passed peacefully in Smithville, Texas departing this earth for her heavenly home on February 26, 2015 at the age of 81 ½. Charlie Bess was born on August 27, 1933, in Bastrop, Texas to Charlie Edward and Mary Emma Morris Morgan, and was their only child as opposed to her husband who was the youngest of 20 children. She graduated from Smithville High School in 1952. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband of 57 years, Delma Standly "Sonny" Ivey.

Charlie Bess is survived by her children and their families:

Jacqueline Renee Turnipseed of Kansas and her daughter Melissa Chantell Bell and husband John and their children Kaitlyn Renee and Ashlyn Nicole of Leander, Texas; her sons Roger Kenneth "Buddy" Kraatz, Jr. and his wife Melissa and their children Sierra Chantell and Camron Wayne of Kansas; Brandon Wayne Turnipseed and wife Jaci and their children Jace Nobles and Kylan Nicole of Kansas.

Donna Jean Wessels and husband Harold of Smithville and their daughter Natalia Dawn Wessels of Smithville; and their son Neil Joseph Charles Wessels and his wife Ashley of Fort Worth, Texas.

David Kirk Ivey and wife Theresa of Bastrop and their children Logan Maverick Ivey of Florida, Skyler David, Mikaella Morgan, and Madison Mae Charolette of Bastrop.

Charlie Bess is also survived by three sister-in-law's: Jonell Ivey of Houston, Mary Ivey of Houston, Sis Moore of Victoria and many loving nieces and nephews. As well as cousins: Henry May Kinser of Round Rock, Pauline Weldon of Austin, Carolyn Williams of League City, and their loving families.

Charlie Bess spent the last year of her life under the excellent care of the staff at the Seton Towers Nursing Home of Smithville. She enjoyed the church services, sing-alongs, bingo and craft time along with many friends she made while there.

The visitation will take place on Sunday, March 1, 2015, at Marrs-Jones Funeral Home from 12 noon to 3pm. A funeral service is scheduled for 10 am on Monday, March 2, 2015, at Marrs-Jones Funeral Home. Pastor Michael Murphy will officiate the ceremony. Charlie Bess will be laid to rest at Oak Hill cemetery in Smithville. A reception will be provided at the St. Paul Catholic Church hall after the burial. All are invited to attend and celebrate Bess' life.

Family, world travels, holiday celebrations and her home were the important things she enjoyed most in life. Bess stayed active with various school organizations that her children participated through as well as the Eastern Star, Smithville Chapter #39. Charlie Bess was always involved with their children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren's school activities cheering them on and being so proud of their accomplishments. Bess and Sonny moved the family to many locations throughout the Unites States and several foreign countries with Brown and Root Construction Company beginning their first trip to Haiti after Jackie and Donna were born. The family always returned home to Smithville to their family and friends. Kirk joined them in Europe, after his senior year of high school, working along side Dad. While working for an Arabic company Bess and Sonny lived in Abu Dhabi, UAE as their final overseas adventure which gave them a lifetime of wonderful memories. Mama would always say, "If I died tomorrow, I have to say I had a wonderful life". Thank God for all the blessings.

Memorial donations in her name can be made to:
Seton Towers Nursing Home of Smithville www.seton.net/locations/towers[_]nursing[_]home/
American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org
Family Crisis Center www.family-crisis-center.org/aboutus.php
Eastern Star, Smithville Chapter #39 P.O. Box 355 Smithville, Texas 78957
Friends of Oak Hill Cemetery P.O. Box 724 Smithville, Texas 78957
A charity of your choice