Bessie Virginia LaMatry, 98, of Columbia, MO passed away Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008.

Private family services will be at a later date.

Bess was born Sept. 27, 1909, in Osawatomie, Kan., the daughter of David Oliver and Martha Haney Wright. She married Ivan M. Whiteford in 1940, and he preceded her in death.

She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Pittsburg State University and taught in the Kansas and Missouri public school systems until her retirement in 1975.

Survivors include two nephews and one niece.

Arrangements are by Nilson Funeral Home.