Bessie L. Burke Duffy Jeffries, age 102, passed away August 15, 2007 at Custer Regional Senior Care Center in Custer, SD.

Bessie was born August 26, 1904 in Pottawattamie County, IA to Ellery and Jenny (McGill) Burke. She attended Augustana College in SD and was a teacher for many years, and taught school in the 1920's and 30's in Mellette, SD.

Bessie married Bill Duffy in 1935 and lived on a farm south of Winner, SD, to this union was born two sons, Walter and Roland. In 1950 she married Harold Jeffries; and lived in Oregon and California until 1963 at which time she returned to SD where she lived until her death.

Bessie was a Jehovah's Witness for many years and loved participating in their services.

Bessie is survived by two sons, Walter W. Duffy of Buffalo Gap, SD, Roland Henry Duffy of Jackson Hole, WY; six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Bessie was preceded in death by two husbands, seven siblings, four brothers, three sisters and one infant daughter, Mary.

Memorial Services will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 25, 2007 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 509 S. 16th Street, Hot Springs, SD with Irvin Putizier officiating.

Memorials can be made to Walter Duffy, P.O. Box 67, Buffalo Gap, SD 57722 or Lila Jahrig, P.O. Box 253, Hot Springs, SD 57747.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.