Bessie Francis Buckmaster

Bessie Francis Buckmaster, 98, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, March 10, 2022. She was born September 1, 1923 at Merriman, Neb. to William and Margaret Sarah Grieser. She had three siblings- Charlie, Iva and Johnny. She was baptized in the Presbyterian Church at Merriman and again later in life at Martin. She attended school in Merriman finishing the 8th grade at age 14. 

She married Harold Buckmaster September 19, 1942 in Martin, S.D. with Judge HR Perry officiating. To this union three children were born, Gary, Betty and Robert. She worked for Dr. Swift at the hospital and also in the high school kitchen. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, Rebecca Lodge, Legion Auxiliary and Eastern Star. In 2014 she moved to Ord, Neb. to be closer to her kids Betty and Jack Mansfield of Ord and Robert and Jean Buckmaster from Kearney, Neb. 

Bessie was preceded in death by her parents William and Margaret Grieser, siblings Charlie, Iva and Johnny, sons Gary and Robert. She is survived by daughter Betty (Jack) Mansfield, daughter-in-law’s Jean Buckmaster and Gwenda Buckmaster, grandchildren Kristina (Richard-deceased) Kaminski, Laura (Steve) Catlin, Kari Anne (Wayne) Ebbers, Sydnie (Brent) Gamroth, Rob (Staci) Buckmaster, Rick (Connie) Buckmaster, Kim (Kamran) Malik, LaRene (Bryan) Monahan, Mark (Jodi) Mansfield as well as 19 great- grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. 

Memorial Service will be held April 11, at 10:30 a.m. MST at the New Legion Building in Martin, S.D. followed by Interment at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, S.D. at 3 p.m. MST. Family suggests memorials to Martin Volunteer Fire Department, Bennett County Ambulance or the Lindsey Memorial Presbyterian Church in Martin. Condolences and Memorials may be sent to Family of Bessie Buckmaster, c/o LaRene Monahan, PO Box 326, Hyannis, NE 69350.