Bessie Jean Wilt Hope, 75, Southern Pines, N.C., a former resident of Osawatomie, died Sunday, June 26, 2005, in Elliott City, Md.

She grew up in Osawatomie and was a 1948 graduate of Osawatomie High School.

After her marriage to Oscar Leonard Hope Jr., they lived in Osawatomie for a short time. They had been married more than 53 years when he preceded her in death.

Her pastimes included fishing, trap shooting, duplicate bridge and volunteer work.

Survivors include her four children, Jean Freeland of Fredericksburg, Va., Richard Hope of Elliott City, Md., Rebecca DeMarco of New Windsor, Md., and Michael Hope of Sykesville, Md.; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation and memorial services will be Saturday in the Hernando Funeral Home, 2285 Highway 51 South, Hernando, Miss. Burial will follow.

* Donations may be made to Hospice of Howard County, Md., in care of the funeral home.