Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Bessie Ellen Oneal, born Bessie Ellen Nickols, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, in The Dalles, Oregon, at the age of 87. Bessie was born on July 16, 1937, in Appleton, Washington, to John and Audrey Nickols. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, her brother Clyde Nickols, and her sister Linda Thornburg.
Bessie was a loving and devoted family woman. She is survived by her stepdaughters Vicki Gaige and Michelle Tripp, as well as Mary Bowers and Brian Oneal, who were adopted by her husband Clyde Oneal during their marriage. Together, Bessie and Clyde opened their home and hearts to many foster children over the years. She was also blessed with eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren. She leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins, not to mention all of those she adopted in her heart as her kids.
A woman with a heart for care and service, Bessie dedicated much of her life to helping others. She worked as a certified nursing assistant at a nursing home in Battle Ground, and provided respite care for Klickitat County. She also drove the senior service bus for the county for many years, offering friendship and support to those she served.
Bessie had a deep love for horses and found joy in spending time around them. She also had a special fondness for roses — she loved tending to them, and smelling them.
Her compassion, strength, and quiet kindness will be remembered by all who knew her.
To plant a tree in memory of Bessie Oneal as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
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