Barbara Lou Bess, 89, of Delphi, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at the home she shared with her daughter Michelle, her caregiver of 29 years.  Both her daughters were by her side as Barbara returned home on Hospice with Guardian Angels, following an extensive illness. 

Barbara was born December 27, 1936 in Louisville, KY to the late Edgar and Margaret (Hancock) Turpen. Barbara was a graduate of the Class of 1955 at Shawnee High School in Louisville, KY.

She was blessed to marry her high school sweetheart, Norman Thomas Bess on November 21, 1959 in Louisville, KY and he preceded her in death on April 7, 1989.

Barbara was a faithful member of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament of West Lafayette, St. Boniface Catholic Church of Lafayette, and most recently St. Joseph Catholic Church of Delphi.

She was employed at Purdue University in the financial aid department until her retirement in 1999. Barbara enjoyed wreath making, ceramics, puzzles, games, bird watching and travel. She loved time at the ocean, Disney World and cruises. She belonged to a euchre and game club in Delphi for over 15 years and enjoyed her time singing in the senior citizens group “Off Our Rockers”. Barbara had a giving heart always willing to help others. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

She is survived by her children, Darrell Bess of Twin Lakes, WI, Daniel Bess of Lake Geneva, WI, Melissa (Scott) Tolleson of Springfield, MO, and Michelle Bess of Delphi. Siblings, Edgar (Alyce) Turpen and Linda Turpen both of Louisville, KY. Grandchildren, Megan (Joe) Gray, Tucker Bess, Cody (Alaina) Tolleson, Chase (Hannah) Tolleson, Jacqueline (Devin) Bilello, Lincoln Bess, and Colman Bess. Great-grandchildren, Keefer Bess, Tanner Bess, McKinley Gray, Gray Tolleson, and the happily anticipated Elsie Mae Bilello.

Preceding her in death along with her husband and parents is a daughter, Lisa Ann Bess; sister, Suzanne Nalley and brother-in-law, Rudy Nalley.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, May 29th at 12:00pm in Delphi at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with a funeral dinner immediately afterwards. Barbara will be laid to rest with her husband Norman in a private burial held at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, KY.

We humbly ask, in lieu of flowers to consider an in kind offering, for Barbara’s medical expenses and support for her faithful caregiver Michelle, as she transitions to her next journey in life. Thank you. Offerings may be mailed to: Michelle Bess 1 Blackberry Lane Delphi, IN 46923.

Please share memories and condolences online at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.