Bessie Maureen Lea, 97, of Ste. Genevieve, Mo., passed away, with family at her side, on Monday, January 23, 2023, at her residence, Riverview at the Park.
Born on February 21, 1925 in Barnsley, Yorkshire, England.
She was the loving wife of 48 years to the late Richard Rutledge Lea of Ste. Genevieve, Mo and the daughter of the late Simpson Norris and Mary “Polly” (Gilbert) Norris of Barnsley England.
Mrs. Lea served in the “Women’s Land Army & Timber Corps” in England during WWII. She was a former dispatcher and Chief dispatcher for 15 years at The Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff’s Department.
She loved to knit for her family, winning many blue-ribbon awards at the county fairs with her beautiful work and loved taking trips when she could go back to the homeland, England.
Lovingly known as “Grams” to all the family, she will be remembered by her son: Kevin (Janet) Lea of Bethlehem, Penn.; two daughters: Patricia (belated Robert) Holst of Farmington, Mo., Mickey (Michael) Carroll of Fulshear, Tex.; daughter-in-law: Diana Limbaugh of Ste. Genevieve, Mo.; brother: John Kevin (Katie) Norris of Scarborough, England; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by her husband: Richard Rutledge Lea; father: Simpson Norris; mother, Mary “Polly” (Gilbert) Norris; three sons: Michael Wayne Lea, David Charles Lea, Clifford Eugene Limbaugh; sister: Eileen Agus; brother-in-law: Kenneth Agus; sister: Patricia Baily; grandchild: Shelly Nicole Lea.
There will be a private graveside service at Valle Springs Cemetery, Ste. Genevieve Mo. on April 15th, 2023 at 11 a.m.
Online condolences may be left at www.baslerfuneralhome.com
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