Bessie Marie Best, 91, a guest of Ridgeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Curwensville and formerly of Grampian, died Monday, Aug. 28, 2017 at Ridgeview.
Born Oct. 30, 1925 in Mount Union, she was the daughter of Carl O. and Mary (McCracken) Knepp.
Mrs. Best had first been employed by the former Airplane-Marine factory in Hyde. She was retired from the former Superior Pet Products in Curwensville.
She had been a member of the St. Bonaventure Roman Catholic Church in Grampian.
On April 24, 1944 in Clearfield, she wed Jess W. “Bill” Best, who preceded her in death July 21, 2004.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; an infant son; a granddaughter, Kristie Best; four brothers, Harry Knepp, Lee Knepp, William Knepp and an infant brother; and three sisters, Leona Shaffer, Pearl Quinsenberry and Neva Ingle.
Surviving are six children, Richard K. Best and James A. Best and his wife, Charlotte, both of Curwensville, John L. Best and his wife, Sandra, Thomas E. Best and his wife, Linda and Chris W. Best and his wife, Joanne, all of Grampian, and Bertie M. King and her husband, Ed of Rockton.
Also surviving are 20 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters and two brothers, Betty Stiles of Curwensville, Lois Seaburn of Grampian, Walter Knepp and his wife, Carolyn of Florida and Gene Knepp and his wife, Betty of (state of) Indiana.
Funeral services for Mrs. Best will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Curwensville with the Rev. Stephen D. Shields officiating. Burial will be in the St. Bonaventure Cemetery of Grampian.
Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday and again from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
The family suggests contributions be made to: AseraCare Hospice, 1015 Logan Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602.
Family members would also like to express their sincere thanks to AseraCare Hospice and the nurses and staff of Ridgeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for their thoughtful care of their mother and grandmother.
The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Curwensville is in charge of the arrangements.
