Russell E. Bess

Russell E. Bess, 71 of Elkhart, passed away Jan. 3, 2015 at the Elkhart Hospice House. He was born July 1, 1943 in New Castle, IN to Raymond G. and Anna Imogene (Colvin) Bess. He married Jean L. Millspaugh on Nov. 1, 1964 in Elkhart. She survives along with a daughter, Christine Bess and a son, Steven Bess both of Elkhart; a granddaughter, Alesha Bess; a great-grandson, Evan Bess; 4 brothers, Donald (Nancy) Bess of Indianapolis, William “Bill” (Mary Haight) Bess of Milford, Warren Bess of Syracuse and Daniel “Dan” Bess of Scottsburg; 2 sisters, Carolyn (Larry) Weaver of Syracuse and Deborah (Larry) Lea of Milford. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, David.

Russ graduated from Milford High School and Indiana University South Bend with a degree in business. He served with the Air National Guard during the Vietnam War. He was a realtor since 2003 having worked for Cressy and Everett and previously for ReMax Realty Marketing.

He was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Goshen and was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Family and friends may visit from 4-8 pm Wednesday, Jan 7th at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home. Services will be held at 1 pm Thursday, Jan. 8th at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Goshen with visitation an hour prior. Pastor Andrew Wollman will officiate. Burial will be at a later date.

Memorials may be given to the Church or the Center for Hospice Care. Online condolences may be sent to www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.