Bessie I. Ellis, 76, of Eau Claire died Monday, March 22, 2004 at Luther Hospital. She was born in the Township of Spring Brook, Dunn County on March 11, 1928 to Ira and Helen (Lee) Knott. Bessie attended Elk Mound High School, and then moved to Eau Claire for 21 years. She spent a brief time in California, and then returned to Elk Mound where she spent the rest of her life.\r\nShe was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW #5373.\r\nShe is survived by a son, William (Debra) of Eau Claire; two daughters, Sandy Stahlbusch of Eau Claire and Judy Klopp of Gilmanton; twelve grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; seven sisters, May (Jim) Vance of Strum, Geneva, Shirley and Mary Lee all of South Dakota, Barbara McKonkle and Annette Wentz both of Idaho, and Ruth Smith of Wausau; and a brother, Ernest Knott Wilson of Idaho.\r\nBessie was preceded in death by a son, John R. Ellis; her companion of 35 years, Clare D. Harshman; four sisters, Anita Harshman Brady, Norma Krahn, Geraldean Jump, and Sharon Knott; and former husband, Emanuel "Manny" Ellis.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 26, 2004 at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home with Major Roger Windell of the Salvation Army officiating. Burial will be in Waneka Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Friday at the funeral home. Friends may express condolences at guest book online at www.lenmarkfh.com\r\n

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