Bessie Geneva Gorder

Bessie Geneva Gorder, 95, died quietly in her daughter's home in Springfield, Mo., on Monday, March 6, 2017. Born, January 12, 1922 in Gregory, Ark., she was the daughter of the late John and Allie Mae Cunningham. In addition to her parents, Bessie was preceded in death by brothers Grady and B.B.; sister Frankie; one son, Major Robert A. Gorder, Jr.; and her beloved husband of 61 years, Major Robert "Bob" Alexander Gorder (USAF Ret). Bessie is survived by her daughter, Betty Hales of Springfield, Mo.; son Eric Gorder and his wife Delia of Fayetteville, Ark.; grandchildren, Kim Hudson of Hickory, N.C., Capri Hales and Carla Marchetti of Olathe, Kan.; Tracy and Brian Kuntschick of Incline Village, Nev.; Emilie Gorder of Fayetteville, Ark.; Alice and Brian Weimer of Springfield, Mo.; Rob Gorder, Jr. of Incline Village, Nev.; Matt and Leny Hales of Springfield, Mo.; and Abby and Max Urfer of Fayetteville, Ark. Additionally, Bessie has 13 great grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, plus numerous nieces and nephews left to cherish her rich memory. A lifetime learner, Bessie was self-taught in many fields including botany, archeology, duplicate bridge, cooking and art. She was a member of the Arkansas Archeological Society and contributed as a volunteer on many digs, some involving her grandchildren. She was an avid bridge player, traveling as far as Hawaii to play master tournaments. She took art lessons in Arkansas and Texas and painted many beautiful works of art. She was a very gracious, loving, kind and beautiful person deeply loved by friends and family all her life. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 11, at All Saints Anglican Church in Springfield, Mo. At Bessie's request, her body will be donated to the Kansas City University Biological Center for the advancement of science. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made in the name of Bessie Gorder would be appreciated to: Senior Age, 1735 S. Fort Avenue, Springfield, Mo. 65807, or All Saints Anglican Church, 2751 E. Galloway Street, Springfield, Mo. 65804. KC Funeral Directors 913-262-6310.