Bessie Pond, 91, of Dowagiac, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010, at The Timbers of Cass County.

Bessie’s life began on Feb. 15, 1919, in Dowagiac, the daughter of Laban and Vera (Ferrell) Keene.
She was united in marriage to Dick Pond on Aug. 10, 1932, in South Bend, Ind.

Bessie had been employed in several area factories, including Jessup Door, Dowsett Spring, Du-Wel, Cassco and Master Cabinet.

She loved to go mushroom hunting, make pies for family and friends and go to garage sales.
Bessie loved to go to the “boat” to gamble, playing bingo and, in her earlier years, she enjoyed the horse races.

She was a people person and loved her family and friends.

Her loving family includes: her children, Judy (Carroll) Clark, Mary (Roger) Jenison, Marilyn (Lee) Prak, Jerry Pond and Ronald Pond, all of Dowagiac; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and sister, Mary (Dick) Peck of Dowagiac.

Bessie is preceded in death by her husband, Dick Pond, in 1974; her son, Richard Pond; and four brothers, Milo, Harley, Milford and Donald Keene.

Her family will gather with friends on Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where her funeral service will be held on Thursday at  3 p.m. led by Pastor Brent Robinson.

She will be laid to rest in South Wayne Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Bessie’s name may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.
Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Bessie at www.yazel-clark.com.