A Celebration of Life for Mary Ann Bese, age 91, of Enid is 10:00 am, Thursday, November 3, 2016 at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.

Mary Ann was born December 31, 1924 in Enid to Archie A. and Elizabeth (Schalla) Kirkpatrick and she passed away Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Enid.

She was raised in the Enid area and attended Kremlin Public Schools graduating with the class of 1943. Following high school she attended Enid Business College and later worked for OG&E and Messer Bowers Insurance. She met her future husband, George Bese, through his sister Rose via a photograph she had sent him while he was stationed in India during WWII. They were married December 17, 1946 and made their home in Enid. In 1960 they moved to what became the family farm northeast of Enid near Kremlin. Mary Ann worked at the Bank of Kremlin for two years then Kremlin Farmers Grain Co-Op for 28 years until her retirement. Mary Ann loved music and played the piano, which she wanted to instill in both her sons. Mary Ann loved her family and was always in attendance at her sons sporting events, and later her grandchildren’s activities. She and George enjoyed traveling and went to many places including Canada, Niagara Falls, and visited relatives in Colorado. Mary Ann was a strong Christian and loved her Lord and Savior. She and George were model Christians, and were long time members of Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Mary Ann is preceded in death by her husband George; a son, Larry Wayne Bese; one brother, Louis Kirkpatrick, and three sisters, Frances Truman, Ida Leppke, and Dora Lea.

She is survived by two sons, Allen Bese and wife Kay, of Boulder, CO; Terry Bese and wife Teresa, of Plano, TX; four grandchildren, Jackie Bese, of Allen, TX; Emily Fulmer, of Flower Mound, TX; Sarah Cartwright, of Euless, TX; Julie Giacobbe, of Dallas, TX; four great-grandchilden; one sister, Sylvia Clark and husband Lawrence, of Enid; four sisters-in-law, Joyce Kirkpatrick, of Denver, CO; Rose Enns, of Waukomis; and Frances Dowers, Rose Hill, KS; and Lillian, of Guthrie; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Memorials in Mary Ann’s name may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodian of the funds.

Condolences may be made and services viewed online at www.ladusauevans.com.

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