Bessie "Ann" Edlen

Bessie “Ann” Edlen, 87, of Kahoka, Missouri, passed away peacefully at 8:20 pm on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at The Pines, in Kirksville, Missouri surrounded by her loving family. 

 Ann was born on April 23, 1937, in Kahoka, Missouri, to Ward W. and Vera D. (Hufford) Gregory.  She was united in marriage to Robert Joseph Edlen on June 13, 1954, at the Kahoka Christian Church Parsonage and he preceded her in death on January 25, 2024.  

Ann graduated from Kahoka High School in 1955. After graduating Ann and Joe moved to Japan and Germany where Joe was stationed for 6 years, after Joe was honorably discharged, they moved to Columbia. Ann there ran her own licensed daycare for 10 years in Columbia. Ann was a secretary for the University of Missouri Extension Division for 10 years. She was an administrative assistant for Easter Seals Society in Jefferson City, MO., for 2 yrs. In 1980 Ann’s parents retired and Joe and Ann became owners and operators of Gregory Antiques in Kahoka until they retired in 1997. Ann was a Eastern Star Member for over 40 years, Red Hatters Member for 20 years, and Charter Senior Regent Moose Member. Ann proudly served on the Clark County Senior Housing Board and the Clark County Senior Center Board. Ann served as a Deacon and was a faithful member of the Kahoka Christian Church. She enjoyed her special cat “Duchess” and looked forward to being with her family and going on outings. 

Ann is survived by 3 daughters: Teresa Denham of Kahoka, MO, Debra (John) Jones of Venus, TX, Kimberly (Tim) Johnson of Kirksville, MO, 7 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, son-in-law: Rodney Scott.

Funeral Services for Bessie “Ann” Edlen will be held Monday, May 20, 2024, at 11:00 am at Kahoka Christian Church, Kahoka, MO with burial in Kahoka Cemetery.  Pastor Rick Addison will officiate. Visitation will be held at the Kahoka Christian Church, May 20, 2024, from 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am.  There will be an Eastern Star Service prior to the funeral service. Memorials in memory of Bessie “Ann” Edlen are suggested to Clark County Senior Center or Kahoka Christian Church. You are invited to share your memories of Ann and may leave a condolence at www.wilsontriplett.com