Bessie Lorena Squires

Bessie Lorena Squires passed away at home in Hospice Care on June 12, 2024, at the age of 84 with her family by her side after a long, courageous, and incredibly strong fight against Multiple Myeloma. Bessie was born in Yale, Michigan on June 28, 1939, to the late Jesse and Lorena Garlick.

Bessie is survived by three sons Mark (Marcy), Scott (Karman), and Todd (Heather), son-in-law Roger Pickerill, sister Betty Durcan, 11 grandchildren Ashley, Steven, Michaela, Adam, Audrey, Jessie, Rachael, Jacob, Maria & Sarah and 1 great grandson Ezra. Bessie is also survived by a large family of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents Jesse and Lorena Garlick, her husband Bill, her daughter Betsy Pickerill, her granddaughter Lindsey Pickerill, 3 brothers, and 7 sisters.

Bessie attended Ann Arbor College in Ann Arbor, MI. She then went on to study cosmetology where she participated in many competitions; some of which used her beautiful sisters as models and won a 1st Place competition in 1963.

Bessie married Wilber “Bill” Squires on January 21, 1960. They shared 44 years of marriage, prior to his passing on October 19, 2004.

Bessie, her husband Bill, and four children moved across the country to Arizona in 1972. Bessie completed cosmetology courses to be licensed in Arizona. Bessie was a true First Lady and purchased The White House Beauty Salon in 2006 until she sold it in 2015 due to her health issues. She then moved out to Waddell where she always called The House that Love Built.

Bessie had strong faith in God. Her love for God defined her life, guided her footsteps, and gave her everlasting hope. This faith made her an amazingly strong woman, working and studying all while raising 4 children with Bill working long hours. Her life was one of love, family, kindness, and hard work, Bessie was deeply loved and will be missed not only by her family but all who knew her including the hardworking staff at Arizona Center for Cancer Care, Mayo Clinic, and Hospice of the Valley. Everyone knew Bessie and no matter what she always had a smile on her face.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 12:00-1:00 PM at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 W. Northern Avenue, Glendale with funeral services beginning at 1:00 pm. Burial, where she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband Bill, will follow at Resthaven Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Blue Water Methodist Church, 1963 Allen Road, Smiths Creek, MI 48074 1-810-982-5312. Their goal is to serve “anyone in need”