Bessie M. Kreipe

Bessie M. Kreipe, 93, formerly of Topeka, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at South Central Kansas Medical Center in Arkansas City, KS. She was born January 26, 1921 in Harper, KS, the daughter of Omer J. and Sally F. McCrady Tracy, Sr. She attended Harper High School.

Bessie had resided in Topeka for 32 years prior to moving to Arkansas City in 2000. She was a member of the Berryton United Methodist Church, the Order of Eastern Star and Square Dance Clubs in Topeka.

Bessie married Gordon Kreipe on November 11, 1962. He preceded her in death in 1999. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Dale Cook and Larry Cook, one grandson, Don, two granddaughters, Cheryl and Julie, four brothers, John, Harold, Ray and Omer, Jr., one sister, Juanita Scholl and her cousin, Donald "Hoppy" Tracy. Survivors include her children, Leslie Cook of Council Hill, OK, Shirley (John) Zerener of Winfield, KS, 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 21 great-great-grandchildren and her two siblings, Ruby Wiemeyer of Wichita and John A. "Barney" Tracy of Wellington.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at Zion Cemetery southeast of Topeka. Bessie will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Monday, January 26, 2015 at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Benevolent Fund at Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor, 1711 North 4th St., Arkansas City, KS 67005.