Martha Besel

Martha was born on May 6, 1921, to John and Katie Becker in Toppenish, WA, the youngest of five sisters. She attended school at Toppenish and later in Wapato. She married Fred Besel in Wapato on November 24, 1946. She moved with him to the family farm in Farmer, WA where they lived and raised their family until 1986 when they retired and moved into Waterville. Martha and Fred were married 58 years, until Fred’s passing in 2004, and raised five children: Terry (Bertys), Judy (Byron) Lais, Cheryl (Ross) Adams, Cindy (Paul) Schmick, and Alan (Denise). Martha is survived by her five children, 13 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, with a 10th expected in May, which she learned of very shortly before her passing. She is preceded by her four sisters: Esther Miller, Elsie Besel, Lydia Cape, and Alice Wurl, and her husband Fred. Martha was a longtime member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Withrow until its closing, and then Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in East Wenatchee. She served in the Holy Cross Ladies Aid and quilting group, and was a blood donor to the Red Cross, giving seven gallons of blood during her lifetime. During World War II, she worked at Yakima Tent and Awning, making tarps and tents for the U.S. military, and at Libby’s cannery. She was blessed by God with a deep and undying faith in her salvation through Christ that was an inspiration to her family. She eagerly looked forward to the day she would be called to her eternal Home, free from pain and suffering, and now more eagerly looks forward to when we all will rejoin her there. Her family misses her beyond words, but is filled with happiness she is Home, and will treasure countless memories of her forever. They are overwhelmed by the great number of people who loved her and held her in their hearts. They wish to specially recognize Mildred Standerford, Ana Sanchez, and the nurses at CWH Hospice, for their care, aid, and love in her final days here. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1050 Eastmont Ave, East Wenatchee.

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Martha Besel

May 6, 1921 - September 13, 2018