Sheila M. Bess (nee Kemp), age 70, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 19. She was predeceased by her mother, Virginia Hooper, her father, Grady E. Kemp, stepfather, Kenneth Hooper, and brother-in-law Mike McLaughlin.
She is survived by her loving children Melissa (Shawn) Williams, Bryan (Ruth) Bess, and Matt (Larissa) Bess; loving grandchildren Lexi Bess, Jessica Bess, Owen Bess, David Williams, and Ellie Williams; brother Grady J. (Carol) Kemp, sister Rose McLaughlin, and sister Marcia (Gene) Kessler. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Sheila was an avid gardener and loved planting flowers. She loved the Bee Gees, cats, game shows, and was always very proud of the many accomplishments of her family members. The family is requesting that donations can be made to Open Door Animal Sanctuary in House Springs, MO, in lieu of flowers. For donations, please include Sheila’s name in the memo line.
Services: The visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 22, from 6 to 7 pm at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd, St. Louis. The service will begin at 7 pm following the visitation. The burial will take place on Thursday, February 23, at 10 am at Marcus Memorial Cemetery in Fredericktown, MO
Sheila will be missed. I first met Sheila as a coworker at Farmington Children’s Home in 1996. She remained one of my closest friends over the years. She was also like a mother figure to me as well since I was younger. She was one of the most caring and supportive friends I’ve ever had. She always shared the same passion I had with helping troubled youth. She will definitely be missed. I’m glad that she doesn’t have to suffer anymore. I wish I could have seen her again before she passed. My heartfelt condolences and condolences go out to her kids and family. I was to say a special thank you to Matt and Melissa for keeping me up with her updates when she got sick. I know she was so very proud of her kids. She never stopped talking about them and their accomplishments. You all are in my prayers.
Sheila will be missed. I first met Sheila as a coworker at Farmington Children’s Home in 1996. She remained one of my closest friends over the years. She was also like a mother figure to me as well since I was younger. She was one of the most caring and supportive friends I’ve ever had. She always shared the same passion I had with helping troubled youth. She will definitely be missed. I’m glad that she doesn’t have to suffer anymore. I wish I could have seen her again before she passed. My heartfelt condolences and condolences go out to her kids and family. I was to say a special thank you to Matt and Melissa for keeping me up with her updates when she got sick. I know she was so very proud of her kids. She never stopped talking about them and their accomplishments. You all are in my prayers.