Gloria Jean Bess

Gloria Jean Bess, 77, of Columbia City, Indiana passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born June 3, 1948, in Marion, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Oliver Slater and Joan (Tensley) Dutkus.

She attended Marion High School. Gloria had several factory jobs. She also worked in the health care industry and was a housekeeper. She was a member of First Church of God.

Gloria loved to paint and was very crafty. She had the best green thumb and could revive any plant. Shopping for her grandchildren and interacting with people were her favorite activities. She was extremely funny and sarcastic. Gloria had a very large personality and loved having all the attention.

Gloria is survived by her children, Ivan Krieg, Tammi K. Krieg, Lisa (Bert) Avery, Shane Adams, Carrie (Steven) McGuire, and RayGene (Shannon ) Slater; grandchildren, Casey Mastropietro, Kayla Klotz, Ryan Avery, Dakota McGuire, Dylan McGuire, Stevielynn McGuire, Jada McGuire, Addisyn Slater, Jacob Slater, Aden Adams, and Natasha Adams; several great grandchildren; and siblings, Mary Ceballos, Jerry Kerby, Terry Kerby, and Charlotte Slater. Along with her parents, Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, David A. Bess; son, Ellis Kelly Adams; daughter, Salena Slater; brothers, Paul Slater, Dale Slater, Bill Kerby; and sister, Phyllis Slater.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, with funeral service at 12:00 pm on Monday, March 30, 2026, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Burial will take place privately at New Paris Cemetery, New Paris, Indiana. Memorial donations may be given in memory of Gloria to the Whitley County Humane Society. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Gloria's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.