Bess Marie Edwards, age 98, of Washington, Iowa, died Sunday, July 15, 2018, at the Halcyon House in Washington, Iowa.

Private interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington, Iowa. The Jones & Eden Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent for Bess's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com

Bess was born March 18, 1920, in Washington, Iowa, the daughter of Robert E. and Frances Faye (Swisher) Lowe. Bess was married to Reuben Scharf in 1947. Reuben preceded her in death in 1953. Bess was later married to Merlin Ralph Edwards in 1961. Merlin passed away in 1985.

Bess lived in the Iowa City area until 1974. She moved to Williamsburg, Iowa, in 1974 and resided there until moving to Washington in 1997. Bess owned and operated a camera and arts supply store in Iowa City from 1948 until 1955. She was a volunteer at the Veterans Hospital in Iowa City for many years. Bess enjoyed knitting, crocheting and doing crafts. Volunteering and helping others was a main focus of Bess's life.

She is survived by one daughter, Kathleen Ann Russell of Westminster, Colorado; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy See of Washington, Iowa; and sister-in-law, Martha Lowe of Washington, Iowa.

Bess was preceded in death by her parents; husband Reuben in 1953; husband Merlin in 1985; brother, Robert E. Lowe; and brother-in-law, Clarence See.