Bessie Louise Grant, 85, Heyworth, passed away at 3 p.m. Monday (Dec. 24, 2012) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the United Church of Heyworth. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Cremation rites have been accorded. Inurnment will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington. Memorials  may be made to the Heyworth Public Library, 119 E. Main St., Heyworth, IL 61745. Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Heyworth, is in charge of arrangements.

Bessie was born Oct. 14, 1927, daughter of Ott and Dessa Ann Shickel Cotner in Gridley. They preceded her in death. She married Harry Thomas Grant on Dec. 27, 1949. He preceded her in death.

Surviving are one son, Thomas L. (Julie) Grant, Bloomington; two daughters, Sherri Grant, Heyworth, and Reni (Thomas) Gaska, St. Louis, Mo.; two grandchildren, Amanda (Matthew) Renaker and Thomas Gaska Jr.; and one brother, Carl (Marilyn) Cotner.

She was preceded in death by six brothers, Robert, Ted, Fred, Roy, Glen and Sterling Cotner.

Bessie was a member of the United Church of Heyworth, where she volunteered much of her time. She was a member of the Red Hat Club. She worked at Eureka-Williams for 24 years, retiring in 1990. Bessie was a friend to all she met. She was a great hostess, always having company over for parties and fun events.

The family would like to express its gratitude to Dr. Reddy and the staff at OSF as well as the staff at LeRoy Manor and Heartland Health Care for all their love and support.

Bessie was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and devoted friend who will be deeply missed.