Bess Little (93) of Reedsburg passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025, at the Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg.

Bess was born in Lancaster on February 6, 1932, to Marguerite and Ralph Burgess. A graduate of Lancaster High School, she moved to Reedsburg in 1959, where she became a valued member of the community.  Bess owned Gade’s, her beloved dress shop in downtown Reedsburg, and worked at several Main Street businesses over the years.  Her dedication to her community and professionalism shone through in her active involvement with the American Business Women’s Association, where she held numerous leadership roles, including that of President.

In her retirement, Bess remained dedicated to service, contributing to both the Reedsburg United Methodist and Presbyterian churches.  She also served as Director and in various roles with the Reedsburg Area Food Pantry, and was a long-time poll worker—demonstrating her passion for civic engagement.

Bess is survived by her sister, Charlene Goodrich, of Santa Rosa, California, and seven children, Tom Audetat (Tucson, AZ), Robin Audetat (Madison, WI), Andree Audetat (Berkeley, CA), Vince Audetat (Lavalle, WI), William Renn Gade (Dawn Riley) (Fairfax, VA), Elizabeth Gade-Schara (Kevin) (Lodi, WI), Leslie Erdmann (Philip Hicks) (Reedsburg and Knoxville, TN).

Her husband, Dr. Clarence “Doc” Little, preceded her in death.  Bess loved being a step-mother to Doc’s children:  Nancy, Jonathon, Martha, Peter, Chris, Sarah, David, and Paul.

Bess was endlessly proud of her children and found immense joy in the presence of her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Her heart was open to all, yet she held a special affection for her other “kids”:  Jen Gant McClure, Kim Vlach Taylor, Phil Schutz, and Sherm Fields.

She deeply cherished the friends who enriched her life, offering them love, laughter, and the quiet strength that so beautifully defined her spirit.  Bess’s grace, intelligence, and determination made her truly one of a kind.  Bess will be dearly missed and forever remembered.  

We are deeply thankful for the loving care Bess received from the excellent staff at Agrace.  In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Bess Little’s memory to the Reedsburg Food Pantry, 134 S. Locust St, Reedsburg, WI 53959, or the Friends of the Reedsburg Public Library, 370 Vine Street, Reedsburg, WI 53959 / https://www.reedsburglibrary.org/friends

We hope you’ll join us later this summer to celebrate her full and beautiful life.  We look forward to sharing stories, memories, and laughter together at the Reedsburg Country Club on July 19, 2025, 12:30-4:30 PM.