Ellanora L. Bessey, age 99, of Merrill, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
Ellanora was born April 23, 1927, in the Town of Corning, daughter of Henry and Martha (Voigt) Kienbaum. She married John E. “Jack” Bessey on May 22, 1948, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. He preceded her in death on February 8, 1991, while residing in Texas.
After their marriage, Ellanora and Jack lived in Wisconsin Rapids for a short time before moving to California. They lived in California for 25 years and then moved to New Mexico where they lived for six years. In 1982, they moved to Texas. Ellanora resided in Texas until April of 2014, when she moved to Merrill to be closer to her siblings.
Ellanora worked as a cook at various restaurants, and while in New Mexico, she leased a gourmet crepe restaurant. Ellanora worked in Alaska at Denali National Park for nine summers. Most of her work was done at the gift shop at the park. The last summer Ellanora spent in Alaska was 2008.
Ellanora enjoyed cooking and baking, especially birthday cakes for family members. She also enjoyed sewing and knitting and taught knitting class in California. Ellanora volunteered at a hospital in Longview, Texas and was a 50+ year member of the Eastern Star Masonic Lodge in California.
Survivors include her son, David Bessey of Woodville, Texas; grandson, Kevin (Kendra) Bessey of The Woodlands, Texas; brother, Gordon Kienbaum of Birchwood, Wisconsin; four great-grandchildren, Clara, Cayman, Coralee, and Chance; two great-great-grandchildren, Wrenlee and Everleigh; step-grandson, Quentin (Stephanie) Trautner of Winnsboro, Texas; step-great-grandchildren, Laney, Kason, Kinley, and Addison; daughter-in-law, Virginia Bessey of Longview, Texas, and several nieces and nephews.
Ellanora was preceded in death by her husband; parents; daughter, Tamara Dillard; granddaughter Brandy Baldridge; step-grandson, Robert Coleman; sisters, Rosemary (Art) Reichelt and Dorothy (Edwin) Bahlow; brother, Henry (Eldina) Kienbaum; sister-in-law, Louise Kienbaum.
Visitation will be held at St. Stephens United Church of Christ in Merrill, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 9 am to 11 am, Funeral service to follow at 11 am.
Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com
