Jeffey Frances Chesser

1941 - 2024

JEFFEY FRANCES CHESSER (82)

August 17, 1941 – June 1, 2024

Jeffey Francess Chesser, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

Jeffey was born on August 17, 1941 to parents George and Gretchen Brock in Hollywood, CA. Three years later, her family moved to Bakersfield, CA where she was raised alongside her four siblings. In 1956, Jeffey was introduced to the man who would become the love of her life, Virgle Chesser.

On their second date, Virgle asked Jeffey to go horseback riding. Jeffey had never ridden a horse before, but you wouldn't have known it by her confident attitude. She rode the horse down Chester Avenue straight into the Nile Theater, where she worked. Her confidence really shined as she decided to walk the horse inside to the popcorn counter to talk to her coworker. The manager saw this and was so upset that he told her to "get that horse out of here or you're fired!" Jeffey's quick wit response was "you can't fire me because I just quit!" Jeffey and Virgle always shared quite a laugh over this story, and Virgle loved Jeffey's bold character. Virgle and Jeffey were married on June 7, 1958 in Las Vegas, NV, and two years later, they welcomed their first child, daughter Christy, and a year later, son Dale. She and Virgle worked incredibly hard to provide a good life for their two children.

Virgle introduced Jeffey to horses on that infamous second date, and from that point on, her love of livestock became her passion. She found true enjoyment in spending most of her time with her horses, sheep, and goats. Her passion led her to teaching kids about livestock, and she soon became involved in 4-H. She was extremely dedicated to all of the children in her 4-H group, and loved teaching them about all that goes into raising livestock. Jeffey was always a staple at the Kern County Fair, especially in the sheep arena, with her large glasses and willingness to provide support for all of the children. For over 50 years, Jeffey opened her life, her home, and her heart to all 4-H, Jr. Farmers, and FFA kids.

In addition to her love of livestock, Jeffey also loved to play slot machines. Most of the time, she emerged with winnings that she cheerfully referred to as "money in my pocket." It came as no surprise that Jeffey's favorite restaurant, The Dutch Frontier, and Virgle and Jeffey's ranch were conveniently located near a casino.

Jeffey (Bemaw) treasured every moment spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. On most visits, Bemaw would be patiently waiting in her ranger by the gate, prepared to whisk her grandkids away for a ride around the property and show them the animals.

Jeffey was preceded in death by her parents George and Gretchen Brock; sisters Laverne and Sue; and her son Milton Dale Chesser. She is survived by her husband of almost 66 years Virgle Chesser; daughter and son-in-law Christy and Daniel Rudnick; sisters Tricia and Vera, grandchildren and spouses Brett and Mallory Harmon, Kaitlin Rudnick and Dominique Strauss, Amanda and Anthony Buoni, Seth and Brittany Kushman and Kassidy Chesser; her great-grandchildren Mason and Madelyn Buoni, William and Graham Harmon, Jeffey and Jimmie Kushman; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Jeffey's caregivers Maria, Erica, Ness, and Jen as well as Stacy, Victor, Felicia, and Christopher for all the love and care they gave Jeffey over this past year. Thank you also to her friends and family who have checked in with her over this past year.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Jeffey F Chesser to Kern County Cancer Foundation or to your local animal shelter. If you would like to share a story, please feel free to send an email to: "rememberingjeffey@gmail.com".

A celebration of Jeffey's life will be held in the Fall.

We will always love and miss our Bemaw.

www.bakersfield.com/obits