Bessie M. McConnell, 90, of Burlington, Iowa, formerly of Carthage and LaHarpe, Illinois passed away Thursday, February 12, 2009 at the Great River Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa.

She was born September 10, 1918 in Fountain Green, Illinois, the daughter of Henry and Ella Salisbury DeHaven. On October 2, 1952 she married James E. McConnell at the Old Bedford Church near Blandinsville, Illinois. He preceded her in death on March 23, 1976.

She and her husband farmed near Fountain Green and Burnside Illinois for many years. They raised two foster children in their home. In 1977 she moved to Carthage, Illinois where she was active in the senior center and RSVP. She enjoyed gardening, sewing and embroidering. She moved to Burlington in 2000.

She is survived by one daughter, Christine Cheeley of Burlington, three grandchildren and one sister, Maxine Beckwith of Peoria, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her husband and three brothers, Robert and Newell DeHaven and an infant brother.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, February 16, 2009 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe. Burial will be in the McConnell-Geddes Cemetery near Fountain Green, Illinois. The family will meet with friends Monday from 1:00 PM until time of services. A memorial fund has been established for the Home Caring Services of Burlington or the Southeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging Home Delivered Meals Program.