Mary M. Bess, 60, of 21 N. Mitchell Street, Gwinn, entered eternal life early Wednesday morning, August 3, 2005, at her home, following a lengthy illness.

Born January 11, 1945 in Marquette, a daughter of Clarence Crandel and Margaret Larabee, Mary was raised in Marquette and attended the Marquette public schools.  At age 15, she moved to Grand Rapids where she was enrolled in a girl’s school, returning to Marquette at age 18.  On July 29, 1969 she married James T. Bess in Marquette and the couple began to establish their home.  Mary had many interests, but particularly enjoyed fishing, gardening, crocheting, and sewing.  Being of Native American descent, she was also interested in the Native American art crafts, especially loom weaving of Native American patterns.

Survivors include her husband, James T. Bess; a daughter, Mary “Penny” Loring residing in Oregon; two sons, James (Kim) Bess Jr of Calumet and William Heidtman of West Branch; her grandchildren, Marissa, Destiny, C.J., Samantha, Jessica Lynn, Robert, and Crystal; and a great-granddaughter, Ayla Jayne; a sister, Corrine Britton of Marquette; a brother, Robert Larabee of Marquette; several nieces and nephews, among them Heidi Black, Jennifer Black, and Scott Britton; and a special niece, Tricia Lynn Larabee.  In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her step-father, Ben Larabee; daughter-in-law, Wanda Heidtman; two granddaughters, Jessica Lynn Heidtman and Amber Heidtman; and brothers, Benjamin and William Larabee.

Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Monday, August 8, beginning at 12:00 noon.  Funeral services will follow at 1:00 pm Monday afternoon in the funeral home.