Bessie Lee Blachly

1920 - 2016

Bessie Lee Blachly, 96, a Carmichael resident for 66 years, passed away on December 7, 2016 in her home. Bessie was born in Murphy, Texas to William Ernest and Mary Jane Clarkson on September 15, 1920. After growing up in Texas and Oklahoma, she moved with her family to California and graduated from Madera High School. She married Lt. Donald V. Blachly on March 4, 1943 in Sacramento. Bessie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. She was an active member at the Nogales Street Church of Christ, Norwood Church of Christ and most recently Cordova Church of Christ. Later in life she enjoyed working for the US Dept. of Agriculture. Bessie was preceded in death by her brothers Scott Willard Clarkson and William Floyd Clarkson, her twin sister Jessie Lou Schuh, and grandsons Charles G. Blachly and Robbie Blachly and great-grandson Silas Bogdanovic. Bessie is survived by her husband Donald, her five children: Pamela Bogdanovic (Peter) of Cameron Park, Donald C. Blachly (Shirley K.) of Ridgecrest, Ronald J. Blachly, M. D. (Karen) of Jonesboro, AR, Daniel G. Blachly and Robert V. Blachly of Carmichael, seven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Sierra View Funeral Chapel, 6201 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael from 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 14 at Cordova Church of Christ, 10577 Coloma Road, Rancho Cordova with Eli Hooper (grandson-in-law) of the Grass Valley Church of Christ officiating. A luncheon for attendees will be held following services. Private burial will occur at Fair Oaks Cemetery. Memorials contributions may be made to the Charles Blachly Memorial Honors College Scholarship, University of Central Arkansas, 201 Donaghey, Box 4986, Conway, AR 72035 or the Blachly Premedical Scholarship, Harding University, 985 East Market Street, Searcy, AR 72149-2290.