Bessie Minge

Bessie Minge, the youngest of seven children, was born April 14, 1917 at Claremore, OK. Her mother was a Native American of the Cherokee Nation. Her father loved to cultivate the earth, as she did. Two years later her mother, along with many others, died with influenza. Bible reading became an important part of her life, giving comfort and hope of seeing her mother again someday. It was the US Great Depression, dust bowl conditions and there was little employment. On August 12, 1936 she married Eldred (Cleo) Minge. They traveled to Everett for work and remained for the 63 years of their marriage. He preceded her in death in 2000. The marriage produced four children, Laveina, Lawrence, Luwana and Roy; eight grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren. Jehovah's witnesses helped her to understand more about the Bible. She was baptized in 1939. Bessie enjoyed God's creation and taught Rev. 11:18 that God will bring ruin to those ruining the earth (in his own due time). Although the Bible does tell of a heavenly hope, the vast majority will be the "meek that inherit the earth:, when "God's will is done on earth as in heaven." Ps 37:10,11; Matt 6:10, Rev. 21:3-5. Bessie fell asleep in death with loving children at her side on January 12, 2014. We are thankful for the loving care of Claudette Smith, her family and helpers, Bethany at Silverlake, and Providence Hospital and Hospice. A memorial service will be held at Henry M. Jackson High School, 1508 136th St. SE, Mill Creek, WA 98012. From Murphy's Corner(Fred Meyer), Bothell-Everett Hwy S., 1st light south of Safeway, turn left at Dumas Lane, Saturday, February 15 at 2 p.m.