BRIGHAM " Bessie F. Colledge passed away December 21, 2013 in Brigham City, UT. She was the eighth of 12 children born to Lester B. and Erma Peterson Colledge on April 29, 1924 in Lehi, Utah. She married and divorced.

Bessie graduated from Lehi High School where she was active in sports and drama. After graduating she worked at Ogden Arsenal, Ogden Defense Depot, and McClanahan's Clothing store. In 1952 she moved to California where she was employed at Lockheed Aircraft in different capacities. Her most interesting years there, were in the security planes division in the most secret area 51 known as "The Ranch". She worked on and was supervisor on the T-33. F-94, and F104 (Missile). She was awarded special commendations and awards through the years.
Bess enjoyed playing softball and basketball during the time working at Ogden Arsenal and Ogden Defense Depot. She traveled to many army installations with her team playing armed forces ladies teams. They traveled throughout the western states. Later she played for The Shamrock basketball team with the highlight being their trip to Hawaii. Bess loved to travel and did so extensively throughout her life visiting Alaska, Canada, Puerto Rico, Panama Canal, Mexico, and a Mediterranean Cruise.

She retried to St. George in 1990, and enjoyed the warm weather and the many dear friends from her Seventh Day Adventist Church. Special thanks to Bev and Paul Denton for the kindness, love, and help they gave to Bess.

Bessie had a great personality, sweet, caring disposition, and always had a good joke to tell and was loved by everyone. She loved animals and had many cats and dogs through the years.

Due to failing health Bess moved to Bear River, Utah and lived at the home of her niece Paula and Bob Hensley. This became home to Bess and she was very happy and content. It pleased her to have the little children of the families run to her room to see Aunt Bess. She enjoyed her many visits with her niece Debee and Mike Combe of Tremonton. Bess loved watching TV and spending many hours watching football especially NFL, basketball, soccer and any John Wayne or western movies.

Bessie was preceded in death by her mother, father, four sisters and five brothers. She is survived by one brother Almer Colledge and one sister Leona Pettigrew. And many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

A viewing will be held for family and friends on Friday, December 27, 2013 from 11:00 to 12:30 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 205 S. 100 E., Brigham City, UT. Interment and dedication of the grave will be held Monday, December 30, 2013 at St. George City Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.

Special thanks to Brigham City Hospital, Dr. Gil Calliouette, Willow Glen Health and Rehab, and Cynthia Duncan FNP for their compassion and love shown to Bess.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Multiple Sclerosis or Cystic Fibrosis Society.