Bessie Marie Retzlaff

Bessie Marie Retzlaff died just after Saturday's sunrise, August 27, 2011 at Sierra Blanca Care Center in Lakeside, Navajo County, Arizona from causes incident to her age. She was 93 years old. Bessie was born on November 7, 1917 in Spring Creek, Navajo County, Arizona to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Lupe. She moved away from the White Mountains as a young woman and began a long and successful career working as a supply clerk for the Railroad in Aurora, Wisconsin. She married her longtime husband, Phillip John Retzlaff while living in Wisconsin. Following her retirement, the couple then moved to Reedsburg, Wisconsin. On May 10, 2011 Bessie was preceded in death by her her sweet husband, Phillip. Following his death, Bessie moved back to her native Arizona to live out the rest of her life among her loving family. Bessie excelled in many areas. She was an expert gardener and thoroughly enjoyed working in her garden. She appreciated the abundance of her green thumb and always was able to use her produce in her own kitchen. She was an admired cook and loved to feed her family and friends. Another of Bessie's joys was going on long car rides. She just thought the scenery and landscape along the way was beautiful. Bessie is also fondly remembered as "one who loved a good party." More often than not, she was the life of the party. She loved to have fun and she truly enjoyed visiting her family and many friends. This spunky little lady will be missed greatly by her large extended family. She is survived by: a brother, Steve (Norma) Lupe of Whiteriver, Arizona; a sister, Ida L. Early of Cibecue, Arizona; many nieces; many nephews; many grand-nieces and many grand-nephews. Along with her parents and her husband, Bessie was preceded in death by 2 sisters: Rose Dazen, Anne L. Cooley; 3 brothers: Preston Lupe, Adam Lupe, Sr. and Roger Lupe, Sr. The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will begin 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Cibecue, Arizona. The concluding committal service and interment will follow at the Open Range Cemetery in Cibecue, Arizona.