JoAnn Bess

JoAnn M. Bess, 71, of Ashland passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at Crystal Care Center of Ashland. ?She was born August 9, 1936 in Martins Ferry, OH, the daughter of Michael and Gertrude (Romel) Kurko. ?On June 20, 1955, she married William Bess, who survives. ?JoAnn was a homemaker who enjoyed knitting. ?She was a member of Church of Christ in Christian Union in Wellington. ?She loved hummingbirds and collected memorabilia and hummingbird feeders. ?She will be deeply missed by her husband of 52 years, William, children William Bess Jr. (Kathy Dague) of Wooster, Patricia Bess (Jon Gongwer), ?John (Brenda) Bess of Howard, Michelle Barnett of Ashland, 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, sisters Connie Kurko and Shirley Kurko both of Martins Ferry, Patricia (Larry) Kelly of Rayland, brothers Sam (Barbara) Kurko of Charleston, WV, and Nick (Mary) Kurko of Rayland. ?JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Linda Shoengerber, son David Bess, grandson Thomas Bess, brother Michael Kurko. ?Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 16 at 2:00 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home - Ashland Chapel, 1058 US 250 West, Ashland with Chaplain Alden Thibeau officiating. ?Friends may visit with the family on Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ?Burial will follow at Ashland County Memorial Park. ?

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Dr., Ashland, OH.