Bessie B. Gillock

Long Beach resident Bessie B. Gillock, 76, died April 16, 2011 in Cathlamet, Washington. Born May 19, 1934 in Parker RFD, Colorado, she was the daughter of Millard and Neva (Chapel) Conklin. At age 5 she moved with her parents to Milton-Freewater, Oregon. There she grew-up, attended grade school, graduating from high school where she met her life time sweetheart whom she would marry. Bessie attended Northwest Nazarene College for one year. In 1953 she moved to Crescent City, California where she resided for several years. In 1955 she moved to Eugene, Oregon, living there for 10 years. She lived in Vancouver, Washington for 6 years, resided in Scappoose, Oregon for 29 years and then in 2000 moved to the Long Beach Peninsula where she resided until her death. It was during her high school years that Bessie began working in offices and became fond of office work. Over the years she was employed in office work in a laundry, for KASH radio station in Eugene, Oregon, in a certified public accountant office, Full Circle Company as a executive secretary and then for the last 18 years of employment as secretary/bookkeeper for First Congregational Church in Scappoose. During her high school years Bessie played piano and was active in church and school activities. In later years she enjoyed traveling, camping, crocheting and quilting. She loved to see the fishing conquests of her family but left the cleaning to others. Bessie was an excellent cook, an avid reader and a fan of true crime television shows. A devoted wife, mother and friend to many, she leaves an enduring legacy of loved and devotion. She and Gordon Gillock were married June 11, 1953 in Crescent City, Oregon. He survives. Also surviving are a son Craig G. Gillock of Blaine, WA; a daughter Judith A. Gillock of Scappoose, OR; sister Neva Mae Hundtoft of Newport, OR; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three brothers, one sister and a grandson Benjamin Gillock. Memorial service will be held at the Pacific Bible Church in Ilwaco, Washington on May 7, 2011 at 1:00 PM. Private inurnment has been held at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. Her guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.