Bessie Hilleman Conkin, 93, of Ames, formerly of State Center, passed away Monday, February 14, 2011, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. Bessie Mary was born in rural State Center on January 21, 1918, to E.A.C (Milt) and Ida Mae (Johnson) Hilleman. She graduated from State Center High School in 1935, and attended Iowa State Teachers College obtaining her teaching certificate; teaching in a country school north of State Center. Bessie married M.R. Rufus Conkin on August 26, 1942, in Bethany, MO. Bessie was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in State Center, where she was a deacon and involved with the Presbyterian Women. She enjoyed knitting, gardening, and playing cards and was a member of the State Center Women's Club. Bessie is survived by her son, Merle (Jayne) Conkin of Fernandina Beach, FL; her daughters, Jermaine aka Jeri (James) Prescott of Ames and Bette Conkin (Patrick Hindman) of Bourbonnais, IL; her grandchildren, Scott (Sara) Prescott, Jennifer (Bryan) Carrell and Jodi (Chris) Simpkins; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Rufus; her brother, Marvin Hilleman; and her sister, Bernice Nichols. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 18, 2011, at the First Presbyterian Church in State Center. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery near State Center. Visitation with family present will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday evening at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in loving memory of Bessie. Bacon Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements.