Bess Shum

Bessie "Bess" B. Shum, 92, of Home, died Dec. 23, 2020, at her home.

She was born June 10, 1928, in Washington to William Pearl and Rhoda Lucinda (Henderson) Holbrook. In 1945 she graduated from Washington High School and received her degree from Emporia Teachers College. She taught in Bondville, a one room country school in Washington County before her marriage.

On Aug. 14, 1949, she was united in marriage to Charles “Elvin” Shum in Washington. They moved from Washington to Home and then to a farm outside of Marysville, eventually moving back to Home in 1974.

Bess worked as a bookkeeper for the Home City Grain Elevator, substituted for the Marysville School District and was a substitute rural mail carrier.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Marysville, was a founding member of the Lucky Mrs Extension, belonged to RSVP, volunteered with Habitat, was a former 4-H leader and taught swimming lessons for years. She belonged to several card clubs, was an American Red Cross volunteer and belonged to the Blue Valley Saddle Club.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Elvin; sons, Steve Shum and William Shum; brothers, John Holbrook, David Holbrook; and sister, Mary Roop.

Survivors include sons, John (JoAnn) Shum, of Home, Larry (Kathy) Shum, of Marysville, Keith (Becky) Shum, of El Dorado; daughters, Cindy (Tom) Graham, of St. Marys, Marie (Rob) Maloney, of Wichita; daughter-in-law, Donna Shum, of Stafford, N.Y.; sister-in-law, Marcella Holbrook-Stewart, of Washington; 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren.

A private funeral service was Dec. 2 at Evangelical United Church of Christ.

Burial was in the Washington City Cemetery. A memorial fund is es

A memorial fund is established and contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, Marysville.

Washington County News • Jan. 7, 2021