Bessie Irene (Bennett) Tinsley

Bessie Irene Tinsley passed quietly November 6th, 2019 at the age of 90.  Her home for the last two years was Salubria assisted living center in Cambridge, Idaho.

She was born to Willie (Bob) Columbus and Ora Loue Bennett July 1, 1929 in Grove Springs, Missouri.  Bessie was the first of seven children.  Following her were Sonny Bennett, Jean Wise, Norma Wilhite, (twins) Bonnie Winneger and Barbara Kelly and Kathy Pinkert.  Surviving her are Norma, Bonnie and Barbara.

Bessie met her lifelong love Oris H. Tinsley and after a short courtship they married on Bessie’s birthday, July 1, 1947. 

Kenneth Charles arrived October 30 1948, Lynda Marie August 17, 1950, Greta Sue December 14, 1956, Loretta Jeanine Feburary 9, 1961 and Rhonda Lynn July 30, 1965.  Rhonda preceeded her in death July 31, 1967.  She was very proud  her grandchildren, Aaron and Gabe (Ken and Sylvia Tinsley)  Julie, Lisa, Amy (Lynda and Denny Hart)  John, Robert, Loren (Greta Dannels)  Dustin, Tabitha, Vanessa and Cheyenne(Loretta Olano).  In total 12 grand children and 21 great grandchildren. 

Following family members in 1958 they migrated west and settled in New Meadows, Idaho after briefly living in Fruitvale and as we called it then Old Meadows.  Oris found work for J. I. Morgan Logging and Bessie worked at Ray’s Café and then the Pine Knot Café where she developed her love of cooking and serving people.  She became somewhat famous for her pies.

In 1983 Oris and Bessie took over operations of the Council Mountain Golf Course and Café and made Council, Idaho their home.

Retiring in in 1990, they enjoyed traveling and working in Bessie’s garden. 

Bessie was dedicated to Oris during his extended illness and stay at Sunbridge Nursing Home driving the road from Council to McCall hundreds of times to help with his care.  After his passing in 2007 she kept busy crocheting baby blankets, afghans and decorative dolls.  She was active in the Council Church of the Nazarene and loved singing, piano, gardening, cooking and helping others.  Writing her memories, going over photographs and talking over the phone filled her time in between visits from her children and grandchildren.  Before her move to Salubria she sat in her porch swing for  many hours waiting to go be with Oris, Rhonda and Jesus.  Many have offered comfort speaking of her kindness, sweet spirit, hospitality and their love for her.  Rest in Peace Sweet little mama.  We loved to see you smile.

We were blessed by and thankful to the gracious staff at Salubria Assisted Living Center for their love and tender care of our mother who could be a tiny spitfire and bit of a drama queen upon occasion.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Council Church of the Nazarene, Salubria Center or Alzheimer's/Dementia research.

Services will be 11 am, Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Council Church of the Nazarene 102 S. Exeter St., Council Idaho.  Lunch will be served after the service at the church.  A brief graveside service will be held at the Meadows Valley Cemetery at 2 pm

Online condolences may be left at www.mccallfunerals.com

Arrangements in care of McCall Funeral Home.

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