May 27, 2019
90 year old Ina Ruth Bess of Smithville passed away Sunday at NHC Smithville. She was a teacher in the DeKalb County School System for 58 years. Ms. Bess was also a BPW member, Sunday School teacher, Tigerette sponsor at DCHS for 39 years, director of many Junior and Senior plays at DCHS, 3 year BETA Club sponsor, and did voluntary service of birthday calls for members of the Smithville First Baptist Church for many years. She was a devout member of the Smithville First Baptist Church for 71 years. The funeral will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Chad Ramsey and her grandson Scott Bess will officiate. Burial will be in Whorton Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4-9 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the service at 2 p.m. Ms. Bess was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Clara Bell Webb; ex-husband, Paul Bess; granddaughter, Kayla Renee Malone; two sisters, JoEvelyn Underhill and Janelle Lafever; and a brother, Ray Morris Webb. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Tony and Tina Bess and Greg and Malissa Bess all of Smithville. Three grandchildren, Scott and Ashley Bess of Biloxi, Mississippi, Kelli Bess of Smithville, and Brandon Schebel of Cookeville. One great grandchild, Bailey Kidd of Murfreesboro. Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. In addition to flowers, donations can be made in memory of Ms. Bess to the Smithville FBC Youth Group or Haven of Hope.