Born in Des Moines, Bessie had lived between Medora and New Virginia in Warren County. She and her husband owned and operated Jefferson Heights Café near Medora. In 1963, they purchased Windy Bay Lodge in Ontario, Canada, selling the business in 1980 and moving permanently to Des Moines. Bessie enjoyed her birds.

Bessie is survived by two brothers, Frank and Raymond Scovel of Des Moines. She was preceded in death by her husband, Emmitt; parents, Wallace and Lota Scovel; three brothers, Elmer, John and Jack Scovel and sister, Irene Williams.

Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to services on Tuesday at the funeral home, starting at 9:30 a.m.