Bessie Louise Sausser Droge, 87, of Sabetha, Kansas, formerly of Seneca and Kansas City, died Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha.

Bessie began her eventful life in Seneca on November 11, 1927, the youngest daughter of George A. and Margaret “Maggie” McNally Sausser. Bessie graduated from Seneca High School, with the Class of 1938 and worked for the local telephone company.

She married Arden Henry Droge on July 10, 1948 in Seneca, after her fiancée had returned from service in World War II.. They initially made their home in Nemaha County, where Arden farmed. Their first child, Elizabeth Ann, was born on September 4, 1949. After moving to Colorado Springs, CO to work on a ranch, they had their first son, Michael Henry, on June 13, 1951. The family returned to the Seneca area in 1952, where Richard Lee was born on October 10, 1954.

In 1959, the family moved to Kansas City, where Arden was employed on the Hallmark Farm near Leawood, Kansas; and Bessie was employed by J.C. Penny’s Catalog Department in Kansas City until she retired. Arden and Bessie returned to Seneca, where they worshipped at Friedens United Church of Christ in Bern. During retirement, the couple enjoyed their many friends and family across the country and travelled extensively.

Bessie is survived by all three of her children, Elizabeth and husband Michael Wells of Carrollton, Texas; Michael and wife Molly of Parkville, Missouri, and Richard and wife Susan of Lakewood, Colorado; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and sisters, Mamie Beyreis of Sabetha, Kansas, and Helen Foltz of Lee’s Summit, Missouri .

She was preceded in death by her husband Arden and two brothers, John (Bill) Sausser and George Sausser, Jr.; a sister, Marguerite Blaylock and an infant sister, Florence.

The funeral service for Bessie will be held at a later date to be announced, at the Friedens United Church of Christ on K-63 Highway near Bern. A graveside service will follow at the Seneca City Cemetery in Seneca.