Bessie Franklin Dudenhoeffer

Bessie Franklin Dudenhoeffer, retired registered nurse, went to be with her husband and her son in the early morning hours of January 28, 2022.

Bessie was born on December 2, 1934 in Crowell, TX to James and Susie Bell (Tye) Franklin. The family relocated to Gainesville where she graduated high school on May 29, 1953. She attended Cooke County Junior College and received her Associates Degree in both Business Administration (1955) and Nursing (May 9, 1976).

She married her special love, Michael Dudenhoeffer, on February 16, 1957 and together they raised six children on the Dudenhoeffer family farm in Gainesville. Bessie loved her Cherokee Indian heritage and her girls took her to many Pow Wows over the years. She also loved to sew, making many quilts for her family out of blue jeans. She loved traveling with her girls, especially to the beach. She was also an avid reader and loved Westerns and Mysteries.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Essie Franklin, brother Jimmie Franklin, four little angel siblings, her husband, and son, Tony Dudenhoeffer.

Bessie is survived by her daughters; Tessie Wagner and husband Steve of Idaho, Kathy Hudson and husband Mike of Greenville, Bernadette Brown and husband Michael of Era, and Rosanne Ramsey and husband Ronnie of Decatur, a son, Matt Dudenhoeffer, 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Dudenhoeffer will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery following private services.  The public may pay their respects on Saturday, January 29, at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the charity of your choice or Cooke County Library.