Bessie Buckingham

AUSTIN - Bessie I. Buckingham, 90, a longtime resident of Austin, passed away with her loving family by her side at home Wednesday (Nov. 5, 2025) after a brief illness.
A beloved and loving wife, mother and grandmother, Bessie was born Sunday, April 28, 1935, in Laceyville, a daughter of Claude F. and Anna Price Decker. On Feb. 21, 1953, in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, she married Robert G. "Bob" Buckingham, who survives.
Bessie attended school in Laceyville. She was a Jehovah Witness by faith. She loved to cook and also loved going to yard sales and Goodwill to find bargains. In her early years, she enjoyed bowling and going ice fishing with her husband. Her greatest purpose in life was being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her greatest love was spending time with her husband and her family.
Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of 72 years, Bob; three children, Steve (Cindy) Buckingham of Wharton, Betsy (Jeff) Fowler of Costello and Brenda (John) Jordan of Emporium; 12 grandchildren, Avery Buckingham, Megan Fry, Mandi Buckingham, Fran (Crystal Zuchowski) Buckingham, Michelle (Derrick) Johnson, Jessicalyn (Jen) Rogers, Jeffrey (Crystal) Fowler, Lisa (John Schmidt) Fowler, Sarah (Michael) Reynolds, Elizabeth (Andy) Larsen, John Jordan and Joseph Jordan; 17 great-grandchildren, Landyn, Liam F., Luna, Dominic, Savannah, Kaitlyn, Neassa, Tessa, Kyle, Isabella, Liam J., Wyatt, Marah, Lucas, Leah, Lily and Jase; several great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Patricia Crane of Mesa, Ariz.; a brother, Frederick Decker of Candon, N.Y.; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Bessie was predeceased by a son, Glen Buckingham; a granddaughter, Jenelle Jordan; and eight brothers and sisters.
At the present time, there will be no services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bessie's name may be made to the Austin Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 328, Austin, PA 16720.
Bessie's family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Bessie, please visit virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.