February 18, 2013 Oakland: Bessie Arlene Bickford 94, died Saturday February 16, 2013 at Lakewood Continuing Care Center in Waterville. She was born in Oakland on November 17, 1918 the daughter of Stephen and Agnes (Willey) Knox. Bessie was employed by Diamond International in Oakland and C.F. Hathaway in Waterville, retiring in 1973. Bessie was a long time resident of Oakland where she was a member of the Acme Rebekah Lodge. She loved the out doors and was a member of the Oakland Snowgoers. She was predeceased by her husband Earl Bickford, a son Neil Bickford, brothers Ivan Knox, and Richard Knox, and sisters Lena Lambert, Irene Taylor and Marion Knox, grandson Jeff Bickford, and son in law Armand Dorval. Surviving are 2 sons, Earl Bickford and wife Alice of Moulton Borough, NH., and Jack Bickford and wife Dorothy of Sidney, 2 daughters, Janice Dorval of North Vassalboro, and Elaine Collier and husband Raymond Bud of Oakland, 16 grandchildren, many great grandchildren. Friends are invited to visit from 1-3 PM on Thursday February 21 at Wheeler Funeral Home 26 Church Street Oakland where a Funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM. Spring burial will be at the Lake View Cemetery in Oakland.