Bernice Faye Carriger, age 89, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Credo Senior Living, Fort Scott. Bernice was born, along with her fraternal twin sister, Innes Mae, on October 22, 1934, in Augusta, KS to Ernest Vay and Osa Matle (Johnson) Gardner. She was raised and educated in Augusta, graduating from high school in 1952. Right out of high school, she married Jimmie Dale Ropp. They were blessed with three children, Craig Allen, Douglas Randall, and Laura Lynn, before the marriage ended.
Bernice was an extremely hard worker and known by many as a perfectionist. As a single parent, she worked tirelessly and many long hours while living in Wichita to support and provide for her children.
If Bernice taught her children anything it was to love the Lord and have a strong work ethic. She always led by example! Bernice loved people and they loved her. She was a great cook and was extremely generous with her family and anyone in need.
On November 13, 1965, Bernice married Richard E. Carriger. They were married for 51 years before Richard passed away in 2016. Richard and his new family were transferred with KG & E to Fort Scott, KS in 1966. Darren Scott Carriger was born in 1967. Shortly after, Bernice went to work as a dental assistant for Dr. James Taylor. She worked there for 28 years before going to work for General Anesthesia Services as the office manager. She finished her career there, working for Bob Carillo, Will Guilfoyle, and Randy Braswell, happily working until the age of 80.
Bernice considered shopping as her mission in life. Special thanks to her shopping buddies, Carolyn Wenderott, Rita Schroeder, Patty Hutchison, and daughter-in-law, Missy Carriger.
She moved to Credo Senior Living in January of 2018. The staff there provided excellent care to Bernice until her passing. The family wishes to especially thank Betty Allen, Joni Hall, PersianCallahan, Irene Burton and Terri Cox for their loving attention and care over the past six years.
Bernice is survived by four children, Craig and Doug (Patty) Ropp of Fort Scott, Laura (Bill) Dalton of Parsons, KS, and Darren (Missy) Carriger of Osawatomie, KS. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren, twenty-six great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Rick Carriger, and three sisters, Helen Spivey, Dorie Shryock and Innes Wike, and daughter-in-law Elaine Ropp.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, January 26th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Graveside committal services will take place at 1:30 PM at the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 Friday prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.