Bessie Ann Overholser

Bessie Ann Austin

Bessie Ann Overholser was born December 24, 1931, in Knowlton, IA to Stanley and Helen Fredricksen-Overholser. Bessie departed her life at her home north of Diagonal on Monday, April 29, 2024, at the age of 92 years, 4 months, and 7 days.
Bessie lived her whole life right in this area starting in Knowlton and living on the farm north of Diagonal. On July 4, 1950, she was united in marriage with Eddie Austin. They were blessed with three children Dixie, Mike, and Becky. Through all the years Bessie farmed along with Eddie and then went to work at ASCS in Mount Ayr. Bessie and Eddie loved to dance. When Eddie passed, Bessie learned to play guitar and enjoyed the jams. She enjoyed her time going to Texas and met many dear friends. Joe and Irma Zapata were so special to help out with her place in Texas. When Bessie turned 90, she thought it was time to retire from going down there and decided to stay in Iowa with her family. She kept busy going to all the grandkids and great grandkids’ events.
Preceding Bessie in death were her husband Eddie, grandson Paul Austin, her parents Stanley and Helen Overholser, parents-in-law Clarence and Nellie Austin, sister-in-law Mary Austin, sister and brother-in-law Betty and Delbert McCombs, brother-in-law Ed Fletcher, brothers-in-law Charles and Tom Austin, brother-in-law William Tjaden, and sister-in-law Virginia Morris.
Survivors include son, Michael (Kim) Austin, Long Prairie, MN; daughters, Dixie (Bruce) Baker of Creston, and Becky (Steven) Stamps of Diagonal. Grandchildren Shane Austin of Cromwell, Kerry (Lynnae) Austin of Sauk Centre, MN, Amy (Jerry) Schultes of Creston, Kylene (Isaac) Lumbard, and Jason (Shauna) Stamps of Diagonal. Great-grandchildren Melissa Austin, Sophia (Jephthah) Foaty, Danika and Mattias Schultes, Skyler Stamps, Taylor and Carter Lumbard, Abe, Eli, Eva, and Vivian Austin. Sisters Barbara Tjaden of Titonka, IA and Bonnie Fletcher of Diagonal, Sister-in-law Carol Austin of Ames, IA; Liane Austin of Des Moines, IA, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Memorials are to the United Church of Diagonal and the Union Cemetery. Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.