Bessie Naomi Hanson Kingsley age 101 died Saturday, May 6, 2006 at Metron of Big Rapids. Bessie was born to William and Mertie Hanson on March 11, 1905. She attended Fifth Ward School and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1922. After high school, she worked for a year, and then married Ike (Irving) Kingsley. Both attended County Normal and became eligible to teach in the small country schools. For the next two years, Bessie taught in Stanwood and Ike at Rogers Dam School. During the 1930s and 40s Bessie and Ike owned and operated Kingsley's Grocery Store on the corner of West Grand Traverse and State Streets. During World War II, Bessie joined the Army Air Force and was stationed at Robbins Field in Georgia. Bessie and Ike never had children of their own, but they treated their nieces and nephews as their own. She is survived by her sister, Esther Franck of Big Rapids and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents Bessie was preceded in death by her husband, Irving "Ike" , and two sisters, Ruth Mason and Beulah Payne Funeral services will take place 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 9th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Bobby Dale Whitlock officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to services on Tuesday. Private interment will be at Highland View Cemetery, Big Rapids. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Bessie's name may do so to The First United Methodist Church of Big Rapids, Hospice of Michigan or the Charity of your choice.