INMAN - Bessie Ida Burling, 100, died Dec. 26, 2010, at Pleasant View Home, Inman. She was born May 24, 1910, on a farm south of Nickerson, to Harry Charles and Tina Emma Downs Reed. She was a longtime Arlington resident, moved to Hutchinson in 2005, and then to Inman. She was a graduate of Partridge High School. She was a homemaker. Bessie was Past President of the Social Order of the Beauceant, Past Worthy Matron of Silver Leaf Chapter #464, and Order of the Eastern Star of Hutchinson. She also received the 50-year Pin and Gold Seal from the Grand Chapter of O.E.S., Topeka.
On May 2, 1934, she married Carter Burling in Hutchinson. He died Dec. 28, 1985. Survivors include: sons, W.C. Burling and his wife, Sharon, Wagoner, Okla. and J.D. Burling and his wife, Janice, St. Martinville, La.; a brother, Harvey Reed, Hutchinson; three grandchildren, Scott and Billy Burling, and Valarie Byrd; seven great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and a great-great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by sisters, Mabel Beseman, Ruby Showalter and Lettie Newman, a brother, Elza Reed, and a grandson, Jimmie Downum.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with Pastor Dan Dalke officiating. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Burial will be in Arlington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Pleasant View Home Ivy Grove Unit, in care of the mortuary. To leave a condolence or remembrance for Bessie's family please visit www.elliottmortuary.com.