Bessie I. Hagerty, 101, of Brookston, passed away at 9:10 PM, May 7, 2018 at Digby House of Lafayette.

She was born September 16, 1916 in White County to the late Earl T. and Anna S. (Harms) Jewett. She was a 1934 graduate of Brookston High School. Bessie also attended Purdue University, while at Purdue she received her pilots license, one of the first women in the area to do so.

Her marriage was to Carl E. Hagerty on February 14, 1935 in Brookston, IN. He preceded her in death on May 26, 1988.

Bessie was a long-time parishioner of the Brookston Federated Church, member of Fickle Friendship Circle, Purdue Women’s Club, Purdue Retirees, and State and International Flying Farmers. She retired from the Bursars Office at Purdue after 17 years.

Bessie enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and loved time spent with family and friends.

Surviving is a daughter, Helen I. Widmer of Lafayette; grandchildren, Janda (Douglas) Takasugi of East Wenatchee, WA, Aaron (Lynna) Widmer of Manitowoc, WI, and Timothy Winters of Michigan. Also surviving are great grandchildren, Patrick and Brian Troughton of Rhode Island, Jordan and Taylor Takasugi of WA, Leah Katz and Kristin Widmer of Madison, WI, Jeffrey and Brittney of Michigan; 4 great-great-granddaughters.

Preceding her in death along with her parents and husband are a daughter, Edna Winters; grandson, Jimmie Winters; granddaughter, Gloria Troughton; 2 infant sisters and 3 brothers, Lewis, Earl Jr., and Robert Jewett.

Friends may call from 10 AM (EST) until the time of Funeral Service 12 PM (EST) Monday, May 14, 2018 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston. Rev. Dr. Lelan McReynolds to officiate. Burial to follow in Brookston IOOF Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Bessie’s name to the Brookston Federated Church.

Share memories and condolences online at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.