Bessie Hitch

Bessie Marie Hitch, known as number 10 in her family, 75, passed away Saturday, December 30, 2023. A funeral service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, 107 N. Austin, Throckmorton, at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 2, 2024. A visitation will be held at 1:00p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow services at the Throckmorton Cemetery under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes, Throckmorton.

Bessie Marie Hitch was born April 28, 1948, to Ella Mae Fletcher Hitch and Thomas Lakey Hitch in Olney, Texas. Bessie attended and graduated from Throckmorton High School in 1966. She attended Angelo State University and graduated with a degree in nursing in 1970. Bessie wore many hats in the nursing field. She helped open a heart cath unit in both Houston and Lubbock. After working many years at various hospitals in the Metroplex, she returned to Wichita Falls in 1993.

Bessie worked at United Regional Healthcare System in Wichita Falls until 2019 as a critical care nurse. Her sister often referred to her as the nurse with the brains. The heart which is so complicated was her love as far as the medical field goes. She could explain how it worked like no other. She herself had heart surgery in 2019 and while at Plano Heart she was continuously explaining and teaching as she was healing. Some of this might not have been wanted but was given freely.

Bessie took excellent care of her patients. They loved her and she loved them back in return.

Bessie also loved to teach others as they came to work in the unit. She would take them under her wing never losing patience.

However, we all know that Bessie always spoke what she thought. After she spoke it was over, never holding a grudge. We also know that sometimes there was a little sting to it.

She and the physicians worked remarkable well together. Bessie said it was mutual respect for each other.

Bessie was a member of the Methodist Church. She loved to play bridge and was very competitive while playing any kind of game. She liked to watch sports, especially basketball.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Bob, Jerry, Shirley (Bub), Harold, Pete and Tommy Mack; sisters, Mary Nell, Jo Ann, Betty, Gina and Donna.

She is survived by her sister, Dianna Keeter and husband Harrell of Throckmorton; numerous nephews, nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews, that she loved dearly. She also leaves behind her dog, Bones and cats, Mariah and Juno.

Memorials may be made in the name of Bessie Hitch to Beyond Faith Hospice of Graham, Throckmorton EMS or your choice.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com