Ethel Norman Bess

1912-2014 MADISON - Ethel N. Bess, 101, passed away on May 31, 2014, in Madison. She was born at Green Lake in Dedham, on Oct. 27, 1912, the daughter of Charles Eben Bennoch and Ethel Maud (Spencer) Bennoch. She married Charles F. Bess Sr. and they were married for many years. He passed in 1972. She spent most of her life as a homemaker. She loved to go fishing and loved spending time with her family. She is survived by one son, Dennis E. Bess and his wife, Cheryl, of Madison; one daughter-in-law, Beatrice Bess, of Skowhegan; three grandchildren, Charles F. Bess III and his wife, Jan, of East Madison, Stephanie Johnson and her husband, Brian, of Madison, and Jeffrey Bess and his wife, Jennifer, of Madison; five great-grandchildren, Danielle Bess, Tanner Johnson, Kayla Bess, Evan Bess and Whitney Bess, all of Madison; two great-great-grandchildren, Hunter and Mackenzie Swihart, of Madison; and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by one son, Charles F. Bess Jr.; seven sisters; and three brothers. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine. Donations may be made in her memory to the Somerset Humane Society, P.O. Box 453, Skowhegan, ME 04976. -

Arrangements under the direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, Skowhegan, ME.