Gene Besse

STERLING- Gene C. (Hungate) Besse, 97, died, Thursday, October 5, 2017 at her home. Gene was born November 15, 1919 in Chillicothe, the daughter of George and Naomi (Schank) Cies. She married John Hungate who preceded her in death on March 18, 1984. She married Kennard Besse who preceded her in death on December 9, 2003. Gene was a graduate of Sterling High School. She attended Iowa State University-Ames. She served as past-President of the Illinois Women’s Golf Association. Survivors include two step sons, Bruce (Jane) Besse of Forest Grove, OR and John (Ellen) Besse of Faribault, MN; one brother, William (Marty) Cies of Grand Detour; a number of grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, George Cies and James Cies; and one sister, Marilyn Watson. Memorial Services will be held at 10AM on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at the Schilling Funeral Home and Cremation, Sterling with Pastor Jeremiah Thompson of Wesley United Methodist Church in Sterling. Private Graveside services will be held. There will be no visitation. A memorial has been established to Red Cross or YWCA. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.