Bessie Barringer

Bessie Barringer, 98, was called to Heaven on Friday, August 19th, 2005. She had been a longtime resident of Atlantic and passed on at the Atlantic Nursing and Rehab Center. Bessie was born on Christmas Day, 1906 to Henry and Mary Ellen Woolsey in Atlantic, Iowa. She would spend all of her life living in this small southwest Iowa town. She married John Barringer on November 5th, 1932. They raised four children in a modest house at 109 Cedar Street.Bessie was a great example for her friends and family in the way that she led her life. She was a strong Christian who never took a drink or smoked a cigarette. She may have cooked with lard, but she knew to eat in moderation. She encouraged others to change their lifestyles if they had picked up bad habits, but she never looked down on them. Bessie knew how to show unconditional love.She lived by the motto of "you"re only as old as you feel." Even in her last year she would refer to those much younger than her as "old people." Staying active and being involved with her family kept her very young at heart. Bessie may have never learned how to ride a bike, swim, drive a car or gotten more than an 8th grade education, but she was a teacher to all. She told great stories of her past. From her tales of father, Henry Woolsey, being flag bearer at the Battle of Gettysburg, to remembering the struggles to get through the Great Depression, Bessie was able to add a human touch to what we read about in history books. She taught the importance of family and friends. She brought her family together during holidays and special occasions through the power of food. The magic of mashed potatoes and noodles at Thanksgiving, or her fresh baked pies on a Sunday afternoon always drew the family together. She also made sure her family was kept warm by all of the blankets that she crocheted throughout the years.Bessie is preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, John; her nine brothers and sisters; her granddaughter, Cathy Mauk; her grandson, Dale Ratzlaff; her granddaughter, Lou Ann Ratzlaff; and her son-in-law, Roland (Runt) Mauk.She is survived by: her four children, Mick (Lorretta) Barringer, Betty Mauk, Rowenna Ratzlaff, all of Atlantic, and Jack (Emy) Barringer of Ames; her 17 grandchildren; and over 50 great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren combined. Those who love her will cherish her memory always.Funeral InformationIN LOVING MEMORY OF Bessie Obera BarringerBorn December 25, 1906Atlantic, IowaENTERED INTO RESTAugust 19, 2005Atlantic Nursing & Rehab 98 years, 7 months, 24 daysFUNERAL SERVICETuesday, August 23, 200510:30 A.M.Roland Funeral Home in AtlanticOFFICIATINGPastor Terry SchoenfeldMUSICAL SELECTIONAmazing GracePrecious Lord Take My HandIn The GardenMUSICIANHeidi RolandBEARERSTroy Barringer Trent BarringerDavid Ratzlaff Larry RatzlaffMike Mauk Russ Biggs Kyle BiggsFLOWER COMMITTEEJeff and Stacy MaukMary Ellen McCluskyWalley and Nicole SpaffordLUNCHEONLunch will be served at Roland Funeral Home following the Interment.COMMITTALAtlantic Cemetery