She was born September 3, 1922 in Oakland (AKA Distant), PA., daughter of Fannie Willison Miles and John Furman Miles, Sr. She graduated from Michigan State University in 1968 with a Masters of Education. On September 12, 1940 Bessie married the love of her life, Bernerd Gale Hetrick, who predeceased her in 1987.
She is survived by her three children: daughter, Myrna Jean Myers; son, Kim Bretton Hetrick and his partner, Anna Steffan; and daughter, Tricia, and son-in-law, Roy Salazar. Bessie is also survived by her grandson, Daniel Hetrick; granddaughter, Holly, and grandson-in-law, Paul Markel; granddaughter, Elspeth Hetrick; granddaughter, Jennifer, and grandson-in-law, Bo Spencer; grandson, Christopher Salazar, and fiancé, Mikki Church; grandson, Jonathon (JJ) Myers; and four great grandchildren.
The foundation of Bessie’s life was her faith, which was demonstrated in prayer and service. Bessie tirelessly served alongside her husband, Gale, in his ministry with the Church of God in Michigan. As a pastor’s wife and church member, Bessie devoted many joyful years of service to the Lord especially in the area of Christian education. Teaching children was Bessie’s passion. Children fortunate enough to have her as a teacher loved her and were inspired by her dedication to their success. Bessie loved her role as a teacher and always believed that she was deeply blessed by the relationships she shared with her students, their parents, and co-workers. Bessie retired from Okemos Public Schools having taught at Cornell and Wardcliff Elementary schools. Once “retired,” Bessie taught elementary education, secondary education, and served as curriculum director at Triple C School in Georgetown, Grand Cayman (British West Indies). During retirement, she also volunteered for Capitol Area Literacy Coalition, after-school reading programs in the Lansing School District, and Pennway Church of God.
A celebration of Bessie’s life and faith will be held Tuesday, November 26 at Pennway Church of God. They will receive friends at 12:00 Noon, and the service will follow at 1:00 PM.
The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com
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