Bessie E. O’Neal

Bessie E. O’Neal, 90, of Sullivan, MO, passed away Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020 at her home, surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren. 

Bessie Ellen was born in Neelyville, MO, on Feb. 16, 1930, to the late Claude Wells, Sr. and Iva (Penrod) Wells Rich. She was united in marriage to James A. O‘Neal, Sr. on Dec. 4, 1959, in Waterloo, IL. Bessie was employed by Midwest Shoe Company in Sullivan and Brown Shoe in Owensville. She later worked as a custodian for Sullivan Middle School. After retiring, Bessie continued to work at Good Will in Washington, and lastly, at Meramec Community Mission.  

Bessie loved to play Bingo and enjoyed crocheting. She was an avid Cardinal’s baseball fan. Most of all, Bessie loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. 

Bessie is survived by two daughters, Linda Glasco and husband, Ed, of Caseyville, IL and Shirley Espinoza of Bourbon, MO; four sons: Dan Sifford of Sullivan, MO, Russell Schlaitzer and wife, Dianne, of Sullivan, MO, Jimmy O’Neal and wife, Peggy, of Bourbon, MO and William O’Neal of Sullivan, MO; two brothers, Claude Wells of Marshfield, MO and William Wells of Republic, MO; one sister, Mary Mays of St. Louis, MO; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, James O’Neal; one son, John O’Neal; one grandson, Austin Lusty; two sons-in-law, Earl Brown and Pedro Espinoza; and one daughter-in-law, Elaine Sifford. 

Funeral services were held 1 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastors Tina Lawrence and Richard Wells officiating. Interment will follow in Bourbon Cemetery.

Visitation was from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, prior to the service at Eaton Funeral Home.

Friends may send online condolences to Bessie’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.