Bessie Marie Elder

Bessie Marie Elder, 87, of Fairland, formerly of Anderson, passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation in Greenwood. She was born June 20, 1929, in Anderson, the daughter of Ralph D. and Edith M. (Hall) Jones. Bessie Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Allen Elder, her parents, as well as her sister, Mary Louise, who died in 1935. Marie graduated from Anderson High School in 1947 and Anderson Business College in 1948. She was employed by Anderson Laundry and Dry Cleaners in the office. Marie also worked at Anderson Madison Heights cafeteria. She retired from the U.S. Army Finance Center in 1994, after 22 years of service. In 1949, Marie married Robert Allen Elder from Elwood. The couple lived in North Carolina while Allen served in the Marine Corps. After service, the couple settle in Anderson. Allen passed away in 1968. Bessie Marie was a 50-year member of the Order of Easter Star Chapter No. 154, where she was Worthy Matron and served as secretary for 14 years. She was also a 50-year member of White Shrine Chapter 11, where she served as presiding officer four times. In addition, she was a member of the Wapahani Chapter of the Anderson Businesswomen’s Association. She was selected Woman of the Year in 1976. Marie was a baptized member of St. John’s Lutheran Church for 66 years until she moved to Fairland to live with her son, Steven. She then joined the Southside Reformed Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. She enjoyed being a band mom for Anderson Highland High School Band. Bessie Marie is survived by her son, Steven and his wife, Carol. She has eight grandchildren, Megan, Shannon, Eleni, Abby, Charlotte, Noah, Stuart and Cameron. She also has nine great-grandchildren, Jolene, Adele, Gideon, Lottie, Kip, Imogene, Isobel, Gabriele and Henry. Friends may gather from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, September 26, 2016 at Southside Reformed Presbyterian Church, 6969 South Meridian Street in Indianapolis. A memorial services will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday at the church, with Pastor Stanley K. McKenzie officiating. Bessie Marie will be buried at Memorial Park in Anderson. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to Southside Reformed Presbyterian Church.