Bessie L. Rounds

Bessie Lee Rounds was born on May 14, 1916 in Louisiana, and passed away peacefully on November 18, 2010 in McKinleyville. She was born to Samuel L. and Laura Belle Wiggins Coe. She moved to California in 1927 with her family, where they settled in the Dows Prairie area. Bessie had four sisters and twin brothers. She had fond memories of attending grammar school in a one-room school in Dows Prairie. After grammar school she went on to graduate from Arcata High School in 1934. In 1935 she married Ben E. Rounds in Trinidad, California. After living in Trinidad for a few years they settled in the Blue Lake area, where they raised their three children; Virginia, Roger and Russell. Bessie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. She loved spending time with her family. Bessie took care of the household while Ben worked long hours establishing and operating Ben Rounds Logging Company. Ben preceded her in death in 1977 after 42 years of marriage. Bessie was a 68-year resident of Blue Lake and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Blue Lake since 1953. She was also a member of the Forest Rebekah Lodge #147 of Blue Lake and retired as Past Noble Grand. Bessie is survived by her daughter Virginia (Blayne) Jenks of Blue Lake and her sons Roger Rounds of Redding and Russell (Nancy) Rounds of Blue Lake. She leaves behind eight grandchildren; Jeff (Laurie) Hackney, Todd Hackney, Gregg (Denice) Boughton, Wendy (Jeff) Cabalzar, Jennifer Rounds, Kacie Rounds, Ben Rounds and Sam Rounds. She is also survived by her great grandchildren; Amy Hackney, Andy Hackney, Mandy Hansen, Russell Hackney, Kyle Boughton, Alexa Boughton, Amber Dominguez, Shyanne Cabalzar and Bradlee Cabalzar and one great-great grandson, Gunner Hansen. She also leaves her nephew, Gary (Nancy) Coe of Folsom and nieces, Sharon Carruthers of Sparks, Nevada and Gerri Borges of Arcata. Bessie will be dearly missed, but will forever remain in our hearts. Bessie was preceded in death by her husband Ben Rounds, her parents, four sisters and two brothers. She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Cindy Lee Rounds. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Timber Ridge in McKinleyville and the nurses on the fourth floor of St. Joseph Hospital for their compassionate care during Bessie's last days. At Bessie's request, there will be no formal services. She will be laid to rest in the Blue Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Humboldt, 2010 Myrtle Avenue, Eureka, CA, 95501, or a favorite charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of Paul's Chapel in Arcata, 707-822-2445. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.