Obituary - Bessie Maude (Whitaker) Self

On November 16, 2018, we lost our sister Bessie Maude (Whitaker) Self after a long fight with cancer. 

She was born on April 1, 1945, in Havre, Montnana the 12th of 14 children born to Edwin and Maude(Hall) Whitaker.  Bessie spent her childhood in Havre until, at the age of 17 in 1962, she married Gary Self. They remained in Havre, having their first child, Linda in 1963. After graduating from Havre High School in 1963 and Gary's military service ended in 1964 they moved to Hillsboro, Oregon, where Gary was originally from. In Oregon, they had three more children, also girls, Teri, Anita, and Sharon. 

She lost her oldest daughter, Linda, in 2015, then lost Gary in 2016. Her sister Joann died in 1954 at 4 1/2 years old. She lost eight of her brothers, George "Whit" 1981, Bennie, 1983, Bruce "Spike," 2003, Al, 2009, Art, 2012, Robert R.A.," 2013, Allen, 2016, and Ed in 2018. 

She is survived by her three daughters, her sister Lora and three brothers, Elmer "Fudd," Walt and Don, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and sisters-in-law. 

Rest in peace with the Lord; we will see you again.