Bessie Gulnac

Bessie Lenora Smith Gulnac of Rixford, PA entered into paradise on November 8, 2015 at the age of 96. Her husband Wayne has been waiting for her there since December 25, 1971.

She was also preceded in death by two daughters Betty (Chuck) Crattie 10/15/41 - 2/15/01 and Madeline Kay who passed away on 11/29/43, shortly after her birth.

Bessie is survived by her daughter Nancy Jo Milhollen, (Dannie) Mong, of Rixford, PA, her 5 grandchildren: Tina Milhollen (John) DiVita of Buffalo, NY ; Jason (Shannon) Crattie of Bradford, PA; Jessica Mong at home; Dannie (Diane) Mong, Jr. of Saylorsburg, PA and Bonnie (Bob) Easton of Port Allegany, PA. and her 3 great grandchildren: Kaitlyn Easton, Evan and Connor Button.

Bessie was born in Knapp Creek, NY on May 27th 1919, the oldest daughter of Roland and Alta Smith. She had 3 sisters: Stella (Evert) Carlson 4/13/1921- 12/23/1991; Leah (Francis) Kyser 5/27/1923- 4/4/2009 and is survived by her youngest sister Ella Mae Saye of South Dayton, NY.

Bessie was a member of the first graduating class of Otto Township High School in 1937 and a long time member of the Olean chapter of Eastern Star. She attended The Eleanor Beauty College in Buffalo, NY and upon graduation, opened and operated her own beauty shop in Bolivar, NY. She married Wayne Gulnac in 1939 and in 1948 they moved their family to South Bend, IN. In 1955, they returned to Rixford, PA to run his family’s dairy farm. She was an avid Notre Dame football fan.

She believed her life as a farmer’s wife was a perfect one until sadly losing her husband in 1971. She then sold the farm and turned her farmhouse into a Domiciliary Care Home. For the next 32 years, she cared for 30 or more disabled or elderly ladies in her home until she retired in 2006 at the age of 87.

Bessie was a hard worker and always stayed busy. Her interests were sewing, bowling, traveling to CB radio coffee breaks, road trips and spending time with her family.

From the family, a heartfelt thanks to Cindy, Marcy, Denise, Anne, Brittney, and all the other girls that loved and cared for Bessie over the last few years. Also, we are especially grateful for Jamie Glover's (VNA) comforting ways and life saving services given to Bessie and our family so many, many times. And a very special thank you for the faithful, countless visits that filled her life, brought her joy and made her smile week after week, year after year from Larry and Gary Johnston.

Pall Bearers: Bob Kyser, Chuck Saye, Bruce Ivett, Gary Johnston, Larry Johnston and grandson, Jason Crattie.

Family and friends may call between the hours of 6:00 – 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 9 and

11:00AM to 1:00PM on Wednesday, November 10 at Frame Funeral Home in Eldred, PA.

Pastor Frank Hill will officiate the funeral service on Wednesday at 1:00 PM.

Memorials may be made to the Otto-Eldred Alumni Association.

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