Bernice M. "Bee" Hepner

Bernice M. Hepner, 95, a woman of prayer, is now in the presence of her Lord following her death Sunday, December 16, 2012 at Bucyrus Community Hospital.

Bernice, who most knew as Bee, was born February 2, 1917 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Arthur M. and Lillian M. (Maledon) Steiger. She graduated from Eastern High School in Detroit and went on to receive her business certificate. One Sunday when attending church she was introduced to Charles A. Hepner. The two shared a long distance relationship and on October 27, 1940 they married and Chuck survives in Bucyrus.

Bee raised her family as an old-fashioned loving mother would. Meals were served, the home was clean and family was taken care of. As her family grew, she put her business skills to use by working as a legal secretary for various lawyers in the area and ended her working career as a secretary in 1982 retiring from Galion Dresser.

Bee was a nurturer who liked seeing anyone or anything grow. From evangelizing about Christ, or caring for her family to working with her African Violets and other plants, she wanted everything to grow beautifully. Bee cherished her strong seven-days-a-week faith in Jesus and whether at a church in her past or her current church, Bucyrus Bible Church, she was committed and involved in all aspects. She was also a member of the Child Evangelism Fellowship.

In addition to Charles, her husband of 72 years, Bee is survived by three children, Chuck and Lynn Hepner, Mark and Carol Hepner both of Bucyrus and Sandy and Gary Ogle of North Robinson; seven grandchildren, Jennifer (Nate) Roshon, Chris (Berdina) Hepner, Charlie (Erin) Hepner, Michael Hepner, Katie Hepner, Annie Ogle and Becky (Marc) Collier and three great-grandchildren, Will and Michael Collier and Evelyn Marie Hepner. Bee is preceded in death by a half-sister, Dorothy Angott.

Bee loved to read, she liked crocheting and knitting gifts for her family and when the Christmas season arrived, family and friends could expect a plate of her Christmas cookie creations. She and Chuck never stopped living life as in their 80's they were still looking into how they could strengthen their marriage together. She left her caring mark on many individuals and is now reaping her rewards in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, December 19 at Wise Funeral Service. Her funeral will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Bucyrus Bible Church with Pastor David Layton officiating. Interment will follow in Crawford County Memory Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be given to Wycliffe Bible Translators through the funeral home.



Visitation:

Wednesday, December 19, 2012 5-8 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:

Thursday, December 20, 2012 10:30 a.m.

Bucyrus Bible Church, 2151 St. Rte. 19, Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Cemetery:

Crawford County Memory Gardens