Obituaries

Born on January 11, 1942, in Noblesville, Indiana, Besse was the beloved daughter of the late Hulett and Virginia Guilfoil. She attended high school at Southport, Indiana and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education from San Diego State University, a testament to her lifelong love of learning.

Besse's life was centered on faith, family, and caring for those around her. In her earlier years, she devoted herself to raising her family as a loving homemaker, wife, and mother in El Centro, California. She obtained her teaching degree after her youngest child graduated from high school. Later, she fulfilled her passion for teaching as a third grade elementary school teacher with the Imperial Unified School District in California and retired from the position in 2007.

For the past 13 years, Besse made her home in Rudyard, Michigan, where she attended Rudyard Bible Church. Her faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was the foundation of everything she did. She was a dedicated prayer warrior who rarely met a problem she wouldn't immediately bring to God in prayer. Family and friends found comfort in knowing that if Besse said she would pray for you, she absolutely would—and probably already had.

Besse cherished her family, especially her grandchildren, who brought her endless joy. She also loved quilting, cooking, home decorating, HGTV and a good salad.

On Wednesday afternoon, June 3, 2026, Besse passed away due to Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her generous heart, her strength as a Christian woman, her devotion to family, and her kind smile. While her family will miss her deeply, they find peace in knowing she is now home with her Savior. Besse was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Leslie Gilbert; and her grandson, Aaron Cones.

She is survived by her children John (Lori) Cones of Washington, Donald (Noni) Cones of North Carolina, and Monica (Gregg) Hoolsema of Michigan; grandchildren Jenna (Ryan) Middleton, Chris (Samantha) Cones, Scott (Audrey) Cones, Jeff (Julia) Gilbert, Sarah, Rachel, and Alexander Hoolsema; as well as ten great‑grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating Besse’s life will be held Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Rudyard Bible Church with Pastor Nate Beery officiating.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Hospice of the EUP, 308 West 12th Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783, or online at www.hospiceoftheeup.com/donate, in her loving memory.

Condolences may be shared at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.

Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.