She was born January 9, 1938 at Rocksdale, West Virginia, a daughter of the late Slathiel and Audra Starcher Carpenter. She was a homemaker.

Bessie is survived by her children, Joyce Luba of Northfield, Anna (John) Otto of Middleburg Heights OH, Roy Dale (Shannon) Merrill of Akron OH, and Ricky Lee Merrill of Northfield; a sister, Linda Kincaid of Spencer WV; a brother, Victor Carpenter of Calhoun County WV; grandchildren, Amanda, Rachel, Ian, Max, and Trystin; step-grandchildren, Aryk and Steven; and several great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roy E. Merrill; a son, Kenneth Merrill; and her siblings. Eloise, Barbara, Daisy and Ken.

Service will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 6, 2021 at the Taylor-Vandale Funeral Home in Spencer with Pastor Jack Roberts officiating. Burial will follow in the Starcher Cemetery in Calhoun County. Visiting hours are Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Taylor-Vandale Funeral Home, Spencer WV is providing arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at   www.taylorvandalefuneralhome.com