Bessie Eveline O'Donnell Obituary (1944 - 2017)

Bessie Eveline O'Donnell, beloved daughter of the King on Kings, took her place in His arms September 15, 2017 at the age of 73, surrounded by family and husband, Tony O'Donnell, who never left her side. To try to encapsulate her life into a neat package that fits onto a sheet of paper is impossible. She was loved by many and her impact will be felt into eternity. Bessie was born in Oakley, California on May 1, 1944. She married Tony O'Donnell of Baker City, Oregon on November 21, 2004. She is preceded in death by parents Chester Kniss and Goldie Collins, along with brothers Wallace and Ernest Kniss. She is survived by brother Lester Kniss of Oroville, California; sisters Carol Hogue of Silverton, Oregon, Marilyn Turner of Antioch, California and brother Mike Collins of Antioch, California. She leaves behind her children Ronald and Sheralee Bell of Baker City, Oregon, Kenneth and Delores Bell of Lebanon, Oregon, Sandi Solomonson of Reno, Nevada, and Carmen Mooney of Pennsylvania. She will be missed by her five grandchildren, Nathan and Tara Bell of Garibaldi, Oregon, Savanah Bell of Baker City, Oregon, Alexis Bewick-Bell of New Town, North Dakota and Anna Bell of Lebanon, Oregon along with great-grandson Alexander Bewick-Bell. For years, Bessie worked as a cake decorator in the bakery department of various grocery stores. She helped save the day when there was a wedding cake disaster at her son's wedding! Her first great passion was for Jesus. She was a worshiper at heart and loved to sing His praises; being an active member on the worship team at Agape Church where she and her "Hero" Tony attended. She loved fishing, always out fishing anyone that went with her! She was delighted to catch, fry them up and feed them to hungry friends. Another great love was quilting Thursdays with friends. She has left a legacy of love to her family as each one has a quilt to call their own. Additionally, her quilts have touched many around the world, giving generously with her sewing machine. Her endeavors also included canning and sharing food to those in need. Her best friend, Tonia Johnson of Baker City, Oregon says, "Bessie was her sister in every sense of the word" and will miss their weekly morning chats. Services will be held Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at Harvest Church in Baker City, Oregon. A brief graveside service and dessert fellowship to follow. Guests are encouraged to wear bright colors to reflect Bessie's love of life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bessie's memory to St. Luke's Cardiac Unit through Gray's West & Co. at 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.