Bess Ammerman Obituary (1927

Bess Marie Ammerman, longtime Prosser resident, passed away peacefully at her home in Sun City, Arizona with her daughters by her side on September 13, 2014. She was born on December 10, 1927 to Edgar and Elizabeth Henley in Hay, Washington. Bess grew up in Waitsburg, WA then attended Kinman Business College. She worked for PictSweet Foods in Ellensburg then was transferred to Prosser where she met Melvin (Mel) Ammerman. They were married on January 14, 1955 and were married for 54 years until Mel’s death in 2009. They farmed on the Roza in Whitstran until retiring in 1985. Bess was very active in the American Cancer Society. She was the original chairman for the Prosser branch appointed by the Washington division in 1972. She also served several leadership roles in her Beta Sigma Phi sorority group. She served as president of the Prosser Republican Women’s Club and was active in the Republican Party both in Washington and Arizona. She was the Mimosa Precinct Committeewoman in Sun City until her death. On the farm, her life revolved around her five daughters and their numerous activities. After retiring, Bess and Mel enjoyed traveling from their home base in Arizona and they were very active in their community social activities. Bess is survived by her daughters, Judy McKee (Charles Lewey) of Reno, NV; Sheri Ammerman (Dave Sanchez) of Lacey, WA; Kathy Thompson (Rick) of Mandeville, LA; Sandy Chadwell (Skip) of Wasilla, AK; and Carol Vegar (Gary) of Prosser, WA; 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Fountain of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City, AZ of which she was a member. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23rd at the Prosser Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. You may sign the online guestbook and leave a message of condolence for the family at www.prosserfuneralhome.com