Bessie Louise (Hathcoat) Searles memorial

Bessie Louise (Hathcoat) Searles was born Jan. 15, 1938, in Howe, to James Roy and Dessie Mae (Parker) Hathcoat. She passed away April 15, 2026, in Poteau at the age of 88.

A celebration of life service is 11 a.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Poteau with Brother Keith Ingram officiating. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Poteau. The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at The Cedars on Dewey, 520 Dewey Avenue in Poteau.

Survivors include her daughter, Elizabeth Ann (Libby) Schmitz of Poteau; daughter-in-law, Aracely Davis, of Tulsa; granddaughters Abigail Schmitz of Poteau, Sharolyn Bravo of Tulsa and Aracely Ortiz of Tulsa; great-granddaughter, Azariah Bravo of Tulsa; great-grandsons, Anthony Edwin Vancepreghy of Poteau and Tony Bravo of Tulsa; along with many other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard (Dick) Searles; son, Doyle Wayne Davis; daughter, Debra Louise Davis; and sister, Anna DeLois Harris.

Pallbearers are Bill Thomas, Thomas Pate, Johnny Harris, Frank Harris and Larry Harris. Honorary pallbearers are Art Drury and Steve Schmitz.

Online condolences may be left at holtfuneralandcremation.com.

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