Virginia A. Bessette

Virginia Athol Bessette, 85, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015, peacefully in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Virginia was born Oct. 8, 1930, in Anaconda to Clyde and Louise Morse. She was the second of seven daughters. In high school, she was a tumbler and played volleyball.

She met the love of her life, Raymond P. Bessette Sr., at Washoe Theater in Anaconda. "Ginny" and Ray were married July 28, 1948. From this union were born 10 children: Paulette, Ray Jr., Mike, Fred, Greg, George, John, Tim, Matt and Chris.

In 1954 they moved from Anaconda and lived throughout the Northwest. Ray, Ginny and their seven children settled in Missoula in 1961 where more sons were born. Throughout the years, she made so many special friends. Her door was always open and the coffee was always ready.

One of Ginny's proudest accomplishments was her 35 AA tokens. She read the "Big Book" often and always talked about her "Higher Power." Ginny was also a member of the Red Hats and had many fun adventures with them.

Preceding Virginia in death were her parents; husband, Ray Sr.; sons, Ray Jr. and Johnny B.; and sisters, Lorraine Casey and Peggy Morse.

Surviving are her daughter, Paulette Lewis; sons, Mike (Sherry) of Kalispell, Fred (Angie) of Helmville, Greg, George (Curtis), Tim, Matt and Chris (Robin), all of Missoula; daughters-in-law, Carol and Devie Bessette; 23 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; sisters, Sheila Sauer, Jane Bartley, Aleta Cuchine and Mary Sue Morse; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Virginia's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 420 Pine St. A reception will follow at the American Legion Hall, 825 Ronan St.
Read Virginia Bessette's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.