The Scotia Register
Volume XXXIII, August 11, 1927, pg. 1, column 5
OBITUARY
Bessie Marie Thomas was born at North Loup, Nebraska, January 14, 1888, and died at this place August 7, 1927. She leaves to mourn her loss her husband, her father and mother, four sisters and a brother.
Bessie, as she was familiarly known lived at North Loup all her life, her earliest education was obtained in district No. 42, graduating from the North Loup high school in 1906, she steadily advanced along educational lines, graduating from the Teacher's College at Kearney in 1913, from this time her teaching career began. For eight years she held the position of primary teacher in our public school. She was beloved by pupils and patrons alike.
In 1897, she united with the Presbyterian church of this place and remained a faithful member of that organization until it disbanded. While teaching at Arcadia she became a member of the Congregational church, and on returning to North Loup transferred her membership to the M. E. church and has been connected with the activities of this church until the time of her death. For eight years was financial secretary, held this position at the time of the adoption of the budget system. So accurate was her work the books never showed an error. She was superintendent of the primary department for a number of years, teaching a class up to the time of her death. She organized the junior league, was their superintendent for two years.
Although the duties of the home, school and church were many and difficult, her desire for an education along religious lines led her to take an extension course in junior methods in religious education.
On June 16, 1926, she was married to Herman Graunke of this place. Only for a space of a few months was she permitted to gladden his heart and reign in the home that had been so thoughtfully prepared for her, and which she loved so devotedly. But in that brief space of time the influence of her Christian character has made a lasting impression upon each member of the family.
Because of her quiet, unassuming way, few realized the depth of her character and the devotion to the service of the Master loved.
The influence of this life upon the children of this community as they came in contact with her in school and church can only be measured by time and Eternity.
Funeral services were held at the M. E. Church at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. K. H. Clifton, her former pastor.

Julie Middendorf
mjmiddendorf@nctc.net