Bessie Jean Winkler

Bessie Jean Winkler, 89, Emporia, Kansas, passed away at the Holiday Resort Care Center on Saturday, February 3, 2024.

Bessie Jean Fiant was born at Stark, Kansas on November 15, 1934, the daughter of Joseph Francis and Marie (White) Fiant.  She married Delvin Dale Delfs, whom she later divorced, and he died December 1, 1990. On October 7, 1983 she married Wayne Winkler, who passes away October 24, 2001. Jean is survived by her daughter; Debra (Ron) Schlesener, Emporia, KS, son; Bill (Lori) Delfs, Loveland, CO, son-in-law; Gary Troyer, sisters; Kay Elliot, Salina, KS, Linda (John) Schoenhofer, Erie, KS, and Kathy (Larry) Turnquist, Salina, KS, grandchildren; Eric Hess, Tracy Barber, Christy Moore, Jonathan Schlesener, Brady Delfs, and Dustin Delfs, great-grandchildren; Sadie, Casey, and Isaac Moore, Bailey and Damon Schlesener, Drew, Bree, Caitlyn, and Lowen Delfs.  She was preceded in death by daughter, Rebecca Troyer, who died February 1, 2024, grandson; Brian Hess, great-granddaughter; Alison Hess, and sister; Shirlene Tatum.

Jean held bachelors and masters degrees in Library Science. She worked as a librarian in elementary schools in the Emporia school district, Colorado State University, and the William Allen White Library at Emporia State University.

Cremation is planned.  A memorial service will be held in the chapel of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 10:30 A.M.

A memorial has been established to the Friends of the Emporia Animal Shelter with contributions sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box #175, Emporia, KS 66801