Bessie Hartford

Bessie L. Hartford, 93, of Casper, Wyoming passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at Central Wyoming Hospice in Casper, Wyoming with her family by her side.  Bessie was born November 5, 1930 in Norway, Maine to H. Lowell and Hazel A. Cleaveland.  

    She lived and grew up in Maine living on Long and Peaks Island.  She attended Portland High School graduating with the class of 1949.  After graduation, she then began working as a teller at Canal National Bank in Portland.  In 1949 she moved with her family to East Hiram, Maine, where she met her neighbor Rex Hartford who became the love of her life.  They married February 27, 1954 and as Rex was serving in the United States Air Force they returned to his base in California.  They would have celebrated 70 years of marriage this coming February.  

 While residing in California two of their children were born, Pamela and Rex II.  After her husband’s discharge they moved to Casper where Brent, their third child was born.  Bessie worked for Wyoming National Bank when it was on Second Street and then moved to its new location on East First Street.  She and her husband resided in Casper until 1986, when work relocated them to Paducah, Kentucky, then Elko, Nevada and finally returning to Casper in 2009.  

Bessie enjoyed many interests and hobbies. Some of which were sewing, knitting, crocheting and baking.  She created many items for family and friends.  She loved to play card games and was fiercely competitive. She also enjoyed many outdoor activities.  In her youth growing up in Maine, she loved to ice skate.  She enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling with family and friends, and making smores over campfires.  In 1972 she began working beside her husband, building their cabin in Dubois, Wyoming.  She loved their cabin and after completion, many gatherings and good times with family and friends were enjoyed.  

Bessie is survived by her husband Rex Sr. of Casper, her daughter Pamela Hagemann (Dan) of Sheridan, Wyoming, her sons Rex II, Brent (DeeDee) both of Casper, and her six grandchildren, Veronica Hagemann, Kristopher Hagemann, Ashley Hartford-Filippone (Jared), Jentry Hartford, Taylor Hartford, Austin Hartford, and Mark (Teak) Schummer, one great granddaughter Amelia Filippone.  She is also survived by her brother Roland Cleaveland of Pennsylvania and many nieces and nephews

She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Sherwood, Burton, George, Edwinn, Kenneth, Floyd, and sisters Hazel Wertz and Agnes Parker.  

Cremation has taken place and no services are scheduled at this time.  In the summer the family will have a private memorial service at one of her favorite places… their cabin.  

Memorial donations may be made to Central Wyoming Hospice & Transitions, 319 S. Wilson Street, Casper, WY 82601.  The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions.