Bessie Pond

Bessie's life began on February 15, 1919 in Dowagiac, the daughter of Laban and Vera (Ferrell) Keene. She was united in marriage to Dick Pond on August 10, 1932 in South Bend. Bessie had been employed in several area factories including Jessup Door, Dowsett Spring, Du-Wel, Cassco and Master Cabinet. She loved to go mushroom hunting, make pies for family and friends and going to garage sales. Bessie loved to go to the “boat” to gamble, playing bingo and in her earlier years, she enjoyed the horse races. She was a people person and loved her family and friends. Her loving family includes her children Judy (Carroll) Clark, Mary (Roger) Jenison, Marilyn ( Lee ) Prak, Jerry Pond, and Ronald Pond, all of Dowagiac, 17 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, sister Mary (Dick) Peck of Dowagiac. Bessie passed away on Tuesday December 21, 2010 at The Timbers of Cass County. She is preceded in death by her husband Dick Pond in 1974, her son Rick Pond, a grandson Mark Jenison and four brothers Milo, Harley, Milford and Donald Keene. Her family will gather friends on Thursday from 1-3 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel where her funeral service will be held on Thursday at 3p.m. led by Pastor Brent Robinson. She will be laid to rest in South Wayne Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Bessie's name may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Bessie at www.yazel-clark.com.