Bessie Heaton, age 95, passed away December 3, 2018 in Orderville, Utah. She was born June 26, 1923 in Orderville, Utah to Christopher Alvin and Bessie Elena Payne Heaton. She was baptized in Hidden Lake when she was 8 years old. (One of her favorite memories.)

Bessie enjoyed helping her Dad with the milk cows. She would drive them up on Carroll Bench and Pea Posey, then gather them in the evening so they could be milked. She learned at a young age responsibility and the importance of hard work.

In 1946 Bessie served a mission in San Francisco, (the Northern California Mission), under the direction of Mission President German E. Elsworth and his wife Mary. Bessie was a housekeeper and cook. She loved her mission experiences and spoke of them often. Her admiration for President and Sister Elsworth carried through the rest of her life. She stayed in the mission home helping for three years.

In 1956 Bessie started working in Salt Lake City for the Church Offices, where she helped keep records of tithing and donations. She worked at the Church Offices for 32 years as a bookkeeper, then as a supervisor.

In 1990, Bessie moved home to Orderville where she, her sister Betty, and brother Lamond invested in Beef Masters Cattle.
Bessie loved the beauty of the earth and commented often that “Heavenly Father loves us so he made things beautiful for us to enjoy.” She loved going for rides and pointing out the small things she thought were especially beautiful each time. She greatly loved the Southern Utah terrain.

Bessie loved the Gospel, Book of Mormon, and Church Officials. She appreciated each new Bishop and the way they reached out to her. She loved telling people they have a beautiful smile.

Bessie was preceded in death by her parents, sisters and brother. She is survived by 5 nieces, 7 nephews, and many grand-nieces and -nephews.