ZIEMMER Bessie Vivian The family announces the passing of Bessie Vivian Ziemmer on January 23, 2009 at the Lacombe Hospital. Bessie was born on Feb. 5th, 1909 at Woodward, Oklahoma to Joseph and Melissa Smith, the youngest of six children. In 1922 the family moved to Oregon where she worked with the family in a fruit orchard. Bessie's sister Lena and her husband had moved to Canada and needed help with a young family so in 1927 she came to Canada to help them. She met John Ziemmer at her sister's home, and after a short courtship they were married March 8, 1928 in Hanna. To their union 4 children were born; Esther (died in infancy), Raymond, Annabelle and Betty. They lived in the Craigmyle area until 1949 at which time they moved to the Lacombe area where Bessie lived until her passing. The church was a very important part of Bessie's life, over the years attending the Church of the Nazarene in Red Deer, Blackfalds and later Lacombe. Her activities included being a Sunday School teacher for many years. She was very community minded and established the first 4-H Club in the area. She was a club leader for food, clothing (sewing) and garden projects for over 15 years. She was recognized by the Provincial Government for her long term service to 4-H in Alberta. Bessie also enjoyed gardening and had a gift when growing flowers. She also enjoyed singing in the Lacombe Senior's Choir. She was predeceased by baby daughter Esther, her parents, husband John, son Raymond, son-in-laws Emlyn and Len, her 4 sisters and 1 brother, and granddaughter Barb. Left to mourn her passing are daughters Annabelle Hughes and Betty Friesen and daughter-in-law Cherrone Ziemmer, sister in law Bernice Zeimer, 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 5 great, great grandchildren. A memorial service in celebration of Bessie's life will be held at the Church of the Nazarene in Lacombe on Saturday, January. 31, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers,memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.