Patricia J. Bess, 78 years old of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, passed away at 5:55 a.m. on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 in the Canterbury Nursing & Rehabilitation Center located in Fort Wayne. Patricia was born on Thursday, November 9, 1933 in Willshire, Ohio the daughter of the late Homer Vanevery Minx and the late Wilma Amelia (McGough) Minx. Patricia was a 1951 graduate of Willshire High School; attended Indiana-Purdure University, Ft. Wayne and also the University of Texas-Austin. Patricia was a secretary and support staff for many organizations including Anthropology Department at the University of Texas-Austin; Ivy Tech in Ft. Wayne; Ft. Wayne State Developmental Center; and Anthony Wayne Bank Building. Patricia enjoyed reading, aiding the disabled, swimming, and her grandchildren. Surviving are her daughter, Ramona (Chris) Smith of Creston, OH; daughter, Valeri (Kim) McCormick of Ft. Wayne, IN; son, Donald Vanevery (Yvonne) Bess of Ft. Wayne, IN; sister, Leola Carr of Celina, OH; ex-husband, Donald R. Bess of Indianapolis, IN; four grandchildren: Truman McCormick, Christopher Smith, Amy Walton, and Rebecca Smith. Preceding Patricia in death was one sister, Joy Ewell. Graveside Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 28, 2012 at the Willshire Cemetery in Willshire, Ohio with Pastor Ed Lovelace officiating. Preferred memorials are to the donor's choice.
