BESSIE FAY GREATHOUSE ROBBINS
Bessie Fay Greathouse Robbins was born on November 1, 1917 to William Anderson and Sarah Margaret (Maggie) Haney Greathouse, in rural Baca County, Colorado. She was the sixth of seven children.
Bessie grew up on the "home place" as it was called, east of Walsh, Colorado. In 1923 her family moved to Stonington, CO where Dad W.A. and Uncle Roy Haney ran a general store. W.A. served as a Baca County commissioner from 1932 to 1936. Bessie attended Stonington, Pretty Prairie, and Konantz schools before graduating from Walsh High School in 1936. On July 27, 1935 a tornado damaged the family home and Bessie's mother, Maggie, died from injuries sustained in the storm. Maggie, who was known as a woman of prayer, prayed that her family would follow the teachings of Jesus all of their lives. Maggie's legacy lives on because Bessie lived out those teachings and shared God's Word with all those privileged to know her through her words and her actions. Her prayer was that she would one day get to be with each of those she loved in Heaven and that her family would continue to follow the teachings of Jesus all of their lives.
On June 6, 1937 Bessie was united in marriage to Lewis Ahi Robbins. They set up housekeeping near Stonington, CO. Their furniture consisted of the generous hand-me-downs from family and friends. She was proud to "set a good table" as she was an excellent homemaker and she canned fruit and vegetables. Lewis milked cows, and fed hogs and chickens. Their monthly staples cost $5-$6.
Their family was blessed with daughter, Millicent Marie, on December 7, 1938. Then a second blessing, Norma Lee, was born on May 8, 1940. The Dust Bowl days were challenging and it was hard work, but relatives and friends helped one another survive those times. There was time for play also, with community dances, quilting bees, card games, and opportunities to fellowship over favorite dishes. In the spring of 1940 the bank foreclosed and they had to sell the cows and find another place to live. They moved two miles north and ¾ mile east of Stonington.
A son, Donald Wayne was born on April 29, 1941 but died a few days later on May 1, 1941. This loss was heartbreaking to them. Six years later the Lord blessed the couple with another son, Richard Leon Robbins, who was born on March 3, 1947. The youngest of the five children, Roberta Louise (Robyn) Robbins, was born September 30, 1951.
As the family grew, so did the family farming business. They purchased a second-hand John Deere tractor, running it day and night to sow their crops. They produced two bales of broomcorn per acre. Walsh was the broomcorn capital of the world. Broomcorn, sugar beets, and wheat crops were increased and the couple began to buy and lease land. Commercial and Registered Angus cattle were added to the operation and their first irrigation well was drilled in 1957.
Virtually unheard of at that time, Bessie managed a family and made the commute to Panhandle Statue University in Goodwell, Oklahoma as an adult. Her husband supported her efforts. She graduated with a teaching degree and eventually became the sole manager of the farm and ranch due to Lewis' failing health. She was in many ways a pioneer as she was one of the first females in the area to single-handedly run a farm and ranch. She never forgot, with grateful thanks, those cowboys, ranchers, and friends with knowledge and brawn, who came along side to help. Most supportive and trusted was her brother, Bill Greathouse. Bessie loved business and poured over her decisions, always asking the Lord for wisdom and insight.
Bessie valued prayer, family, efficiency, quality, hard work, and laughter. Bessie valued church, loved family holidays, Bible studies, square dancing, bowling, shopping, senior dinners, and a good game of marbles. She often won. She enjoyed good music, especially great vocals and piano. She prepared incredible meals for gatherings with friends and family where EVERYTHING was amazing... the turkey, cookies, pies, and breads were irreplaceable. She was a world traveler visiting Alaska, China, and Egypt as well as many other destinations. On her trip to Israel, she retraced many steps of our Lord, Jesus Christ. She was on the local bowling team well into her 80's and participated in their championship meets. In her later years, Bessie lived independently in her home in Walsh, Colorado until she moved to her eternal home. That Sunday morning, May 22nd, was the day before her husband's birthday. She was sharp and sound of mind until she passed. SHE WAS AND WILL ALWAYS BE A BLESSING TO ALL WHO KNEW AND LOVED HER.
Bessie was preceded in death by her precious husband and business partner Lewis Ahi Robbins, December 1, 1980. They were married for 43 years. Also deceased are two daughters Millicent Marie Robbins Heath and Norma Lee Robbina Picha; one infant son, Donald Wayne Robbins; one grandson Timmy Dee Heath; her parents; three older sisters, Ada Edith Greathouse, Elsie Minnie Fleming, and Velma Elizabeth Layton; two older brothers, Charles Earl Greathouse, and Floyd Leroy (Bus) Greathouse.
Those who will continue to honor Bessie's life and legacy include a son, Dr. Richard Robbins (Cheri) of Stonington; a daughter, Roberta Alcorn (Gary) of Parker, CO; a brother, William David Jacob "Bill" Greathouse of Springfield, CO; six grandchildren, Tanya Sue Heath Drew (Fred), Cy Shawn Heath (Melinda), Lisa Monette Picha, Trey Lewis Robbins (Johawna), Kelly Jay Chaudhry, and Shawn Marie Swagerty; 10 great-grand children; Timothy, David, Audrey and Jeremiah Drew; Abigail and Tyler Heath; Elijah, Micah, and Ezekial Robbins; and Zaiden Chaudhry; one great-niece Keyden Arreguy; as well as many other family members, and friends.
Interment was at the Stonington Cemetery.
Memorial funds can be made to Baca County Hospice, Baca County Ambulance Service or to KTLF.org, a Christian radio station Bessie enjoyed regularly.
We applaud with rich thanks and appreciation, Farah Gourley, Becky Brisendine, and Sherry Harr who have been wonderful caregivers, bringing great peace and comfort to our Bessie with a special touch. Many thanks to Dr. McDonald and the fine nursing staff of Southeast Colorado Hospital. Thank you, valued neighbors and friends who helped with kind concerns, prayer support, and delicious food. Most especially we thank you, Lord for all your strength and direction, giving answers for every concern during this time of loss.