Bess Carroll Petrykowski's Obituary
Bess Carrol Petrykowski was born on September 25, 1927 in Beeville, TX to I.B. and Olive Rice and passed away on December 26, 2019.
Bess was preceded in death by her parents, her eight siblings, two husbands, and a son-in-law.
She is survived by her two daughters, Lynn and husband Don Hardin of Lewisville, and Penni Bennett of Waco and two stepsons, Jeff and wife Marie Petrykowski of San Diego, CA, and Xavier and wife Brooks Petrykowski of Sequim, Washington. Five grandchildren Jheri and husband James Sell of Sealy, TX; Tamie and husband Craig Beckner of Moody, TX; Geoff and wife Stephanie Hardin of Oak Cliff; Wes and wife Ashley Hardin of McKinney; and Trey Bennett of Amarillo; thirteen great grandchildren and two great-great grandsons.
Bess graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1945 in Silver City, NM, moved to Waco, TX and began a career as a telephone operator with AT&T. In 1946 she married Bill Herron and a year later gave birth to the first of her two daughters. She gave up her job with AT&T and stayed home to raise her children and maintain her home for her husband and family. In 1951 she gave birth to the second of her daughters. She called her house “the Herron Hotel” and often hosted other family members saying that her house was the halfway point to wherever they were traveling. She was also a caregiver for her parents for many years.
In 1970 she remarried and moved to San Diego, CA.
She had returned to AT&T around 1968 and eventually retired with more than 22 years’ service.
After retirement she spent her time traveling, doing cross stitch, making jewelry, reading, working jigsaw and crossword puzzles and serving her local church in various ministries.
After the death of her second husband in 2000, she moved to Lewisville, TX. She placed membership at Webb Chapel church of Christ and quickly became friends with Gene Thompson and Virginia Price where they were affectionately known as the “Spice Girls”.
When her health indicated that she would need assistance she moved into Emeritus Assisted Living in Farmer’s Branch and later into Sonoma House Assisted Living in Carrollton. Her smiling face and cheerful spirit continued to bless the lives of those around her until her illness robbed her of the simple joy of living.
The family would like to thank Sonoma House and Vitas Hospice for the loving care and respect they showed to Bess during the time she was in their care.
A memorial service will be held at Webb Chapel church of Christ in Farmers Branch on Sunday January 12th at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers donations may be given to Main Street Church of Christ of Dallas, TX or Arms of Hope Christian care organization.
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