Atkinson – Bessie “Betty” A. Ames, 90, passed away peacefully August 26, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born July 20, 1931, in Milo, the daughter of Everett and Phyllis (Lowell) Boober. Betty was married for 73 years, the wife and partner of Melvin Ames, Sr., the love of her life. They raised eight children and she babysat many of her grandchildren as well. An accomplished seamstress, she made many outfits for her children and grandchildren, as well as all her daughters’ wedding gowns. She was a talented quilter and had a flair for color and design. She was also a lover of elephants and had a worldwide collection, numbering in the 1000’s. She will be remembered by her friends and family for her fabulous cooking and baking. Mel and Betty were active much of their lives in the Grange and they enjoyed traveling throughout Maine and Maritime Canada. Betty is survived by seven children, Sheila Robertson, Rebecca Schultz, Melvin Ames, Jr. and his wife, Pamela, Rosie Hews and her husband, Chris, Debbie Andrews and her husband, Calvin “Bim” Jr., Russell Ames and his wife, Penny, and Laurie Sheppard and her husband, Bill; son-in- law, Tony Zambrano; two sisters, Irene Peques (Tom) and Sharon Crockett (Neil); three brothers, Bernard Saunders (Evelyn), Harrison Saunders (Gloria) and Byron Saunders (Crystal); a sister in law, Donna Saunders; two brothers-in-law, Silas Ames, Sr. and Dennis Ames; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Melvin Ames Sr.; daughter, Michelle Zambrano; three sons- in-law, James Robertson, Larry Schultz, and Timothy Harvey; three brothers, Merle Boober, Paul Saunders and Gene Saunders; a granddaughter; a grandson and a great granddaughter. A graveside committal service will be held for family at the North Atkinson Cemetery on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to CHCS Hospice, 1093 W Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft 04426. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.