Obituary of Elaine Claire Bess

Elaine Claire Bess, 93, of Hollywood, Florida passed away on Monday July 17th at her home. Funeral services will be held at Scarano Funeral Home 4351 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, Florida with visitation from 9:00am to 12:20pm. A burial will follow at Lauderdale Memorial Park, 2001 SW 4 Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida starting at 1:00pm. Elaine was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to Gladys (Brown) Barrick and George Walker Barrick on March 2nd, 1930. She attended Withrow High School and graduated in 1948. Following high school, she attended the University of Cincinnati and Ohio University obtaining a teaching degree. During her college years Elaine was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and remained actively involved throughout her long life. Education was very important to Elaine and generously helped students through tuition assistance, and donations to the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, including a scholarship in her name at Ohio University. Elaine Barrick Bess was initiated into the University of Cincinnati’s chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta in 1949. She loved Bearcat athletics and not only for her college years. She loved watching and talking about Cincinnati sports teams. She often called fellow fans to make sure everyone knew when games were being played. Elaine remained active in Alpha Gamma Delta throughout her life. In the past she served as President of her local alumnae club. She also served as Treasurer and Panhellenic Delegate for many years, two offices she still held. You could always count on Elaine to know exactly how much money was in the Treasury. Alpha Gamma Delta presents awards to its long serving members. Elaine held the honor of the Arc of Epsilon Pi with Diamonds and Pearls. This is the highest honor in the Arc series and indicates a member has served the organization at least 29 years as an alumnae member. This is quite special for her to receive this award at the Alpha Gamma Delta Convention which was an event Elaine always tried to attend. After college Elaine married Doug Davis and moved to Hollywood, Florida where she resided until her death. After Doug’s passing, she met and married Rob Bess who rented the duplex she owned. Elaine started working for the Wintter’s at their funeral home starting in 1968. Later she transitioned to the law firm where she retired in 2013, that’s 45 years of service never missing a day while helping and comforting numerus families. Elaine was passionate about her sports including the NFL and loved to listen to the Cincinnati Reds on the radio with her father who would visit Elaine during the summers. Elaine is survived by her two nieces Rinda Rowe and Ronda (Paul) Hildebrandt who reside in Cincinnati, Ohio. They enjoyed visiting her with their families by going to the beach, enjoying many restaurants and other Florida attractions. Additionally, Elaine’s is survived by great nieces and nephews Robin Rowe, Erin (Greg) Geyer, Ryan (Kayla) Hildebrandt and Robert (Kiersten) Hildebrandt. Elaine also has a great-great nephew Luke Hildebrandt. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made through the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation with Elaine Barrick-Bess Scholarship in the memo line (send to: 8710 N. Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46260). Please keep the Bess family in your thoughts and prayers. The Joseph A. Scarano Presidential Memorial Chapel is honored to assist the Bess family with the arrangements. 954-438-8222