Bessie L. (Gudermuth) Diekmann, 95, of Eureka died Dec. 27, 2020. Mrs. Diekmann was an avid glass collector, a member of the Eureka Historical Society and a charter member of St. Mark s Lutheran Church in Eureka. She shared her love of Jesus with many and was a loving mother to four generations. She was the daughter of the late Meril Allan and Helen Louise (Beach) Gudermuth. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years: Arthur Henry Diekmann, who died 18 years ago.
She is survived by 18 children; 39 grandchildren; 61 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death two sons; two daughters; one granddaughter; four brothers; and two sisters.
William Reynolds âBillâ Ward, 66, of Cedar Hill died Dec. 26, 2020. Mr. Ward was an aircraft mechanic and built Sikorsky helicopters. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving during both the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. He enjoyed word searches, football and baseball. Born July 31, 1954, in Joliet, Ill., he was the son of the late Henry and Marjorie (Reynolds) Ward.
He is survived by his wife: Deborah (Counts) Ward of Cedar Hill; two children: William (Linda) Ward Jr. and Tonya Pickle, both of Millington, Tenn.; a stepson: Charlie Posey of Hillsboro; eight grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.