VERSTEEG, Bernice May

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona 01/15/2010 Bernice May Versteeg died Jan. 4, 2010, at the Chandler Regional Medical Center. Bernice began her life Sept. 7, 1931, in Des Moines, Iowa. As an adult she moved to Bolivar, Mo. She and her husband Larry moved to Tucson in the late 50s. While raising six children, Bernice helped to establish a long-lived tack, trailer, feed and horse-trading business with her husband Larry. During the 60s, they also ran riding stables on Mount Lemon and on Ajo Road (close to Old Tucson). The family has fond memories of leading tourists on moonlit rides complete with a chuckwagon and guitar player. Bernice loved interacting with customers and making new friends. She loved nature and had a lifelong love of gardening and all animals. Bernice was known for her wonderful bread and cinnamon rolls and would feed anyone who was hungry. In the mid 70s, she and Larry moved to Wheaton, Mo. Bernice loved their small farm and lived there many years after getting divorced from Larry. Her children convinced her to move closer to them and moved to Snowflake in the late 90s. Bernice shard her love for reading by volunteering in her daughter's first-grade classroom. She listened to may children practice their reading skills. Bernice was affectionately known by these children as "Grandma V." During her brave battle with heart disease, she taught everyone involved about dignity, perseverance and personal strength. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. When hearing of her death, one of her great-grandchildren said "Oh, I loved her cinnamon rolls. Now she is making cinnamon rolls for Jesus!" She is survived by her children Dara Plympton (Rod), Rosie Babbitt (Troy), Jay Belcher (Cheryl), Linda Stucky (Byron) and Laura Click (Nathan). She was preceded in death by her oldest son Michael Raymond Helm. A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held June 12, 2010, at the family ranch outside of Snowflake. Condolences may be sent to 9659 Woodruff Hay Hollow Rd, Snowflake, AZ 85937.
Posted by Sharla on January 15, 2010

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