The Emporia Gazette

February 14, 2012

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HARTFORD — Hartford resident Debra Bess, who died unexpectedly on Dec. 14, 2009, knew no strangers.

Bess, who managed Emporia’s Presto Store on East 12th Avenue, died of a heart attack at the age of 52, said her daughter, Elizabeth Smith. In honor of her mother, a memory walk is being held at 3 p.m. March 20 on Main Street in Hartford. All funds raised through the walk will be donated to her husband, David Bess, Smith said. Smith added that the family can’t find documentation of her mother’s life insurance policies.

Entry fee to the walk is by donation. At the walk, information will be handed out about heart attacks in women, and each participant will be given a silk flower they can put on Debra Bess’ grave.

“It was kinda unexpected that we lost her,” Smith said. “She impacted so many people’s lives that we just kinda wanted to do something. She led the family. It’s been a great loss.”

Smith said her mother knew no strangers.

“With my mom, no one was a stranger,” she said. “Mom just loved everyone.”

Bess and her husband were foster parents for 14 years, with more than 50 foster children entering their home during that time, Smith said.

“We even had foster kids show up on her Facebook page,” Smith said, adding that people are still talking to her mother through Facebook. “There’s a lot of people still struggling.”

Smith said the love shared between her mother and father, who were married for 33 years, was unique.

“He lost his soul mate,” she said.

Bess had three children and had grandchildren as well.

“She got three boys from me,” Smith said. “My little brother just had a little girl. She didn’t get to spend much time with her.”

For more information on the walk, contact Smith at (620) 794-7366. The walk is open to anybody of all ages and all abilities, Smith said.