Bob passed away at home Saturday night, January 12, 2013, surrounded by his wife and loved ones. Bob was born February 18, 1942, in Taft, and moved to Ventura in 1948 with his mother, Verna Elder and stepfather, Beryl Elder. He grew up a "Montalvo River Rat," and was a graduate of Ventura High School in 1960. Bob spent his working life as a Surveyor, and retired from CalTrans about two years ago. Bob was very involved with youth activities - Little League with his boys, and Jobs Daughters with his girls. Through those organizations, he touched so many lives, and became a surrogate male figure to so many.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 20 years, Barbara Hess; his brother, Charles Hess (Jeanette) of Ventura; his sister, Carolyn Klieman (Mike) of Ventura; his children, Pat Hess (Jenny) of Valencia, John Hess (Tina) of Colorado, Jenifer Martinez (Leonard) of Glendale, Gabby Cohrt (Todd) of Ventura; stepchildren, Jamie Fuentes (Israel) and Mandi Malone (Matt), both of Ventura; his grandchildren, Kaitlin Valencia (Jennifer), Kendre Valencia, Amanda Rush, Sean Hess, Karina Fuentes, Tristan Hess, Mateo Fuentes, Amaya Fuentes, Chloe Malone, Jackson Cohrt, and Jonah Malone; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Sunday, February 10, 2013, at 5283 Harvard Street, Ventura from 2 until 6 p.m. It will be an Open House - all are welcome to come at any time. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ventura County Star from Jan. 20 to Jan. 23, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hess

11 Entries

Mary Asmus

January 28, 2013

I work for Caltrans and had the great pleasure of working with Bob when I first started in Construction in Ventura County many years ago. I don't think anyone could ever be around him and not crack a smile. Sometimes he could make me laugh without saying a word and he knew that. He always seemed so happy...like he knew something the rest of us didn't. Bob Strople would always refer to him as "Little Bobby Hess". They had all their silly jokes and half of them I didn't get but I just loved being around them and the corny jokes were part of the fun. I got to see him about a year ago and he seemed just the same to me... those sparkling blue eyes and the impression that he was involved in some sort of mischief. To his family, my husband and I would like to extend our very deepest sympathy. How wonderful it must have been to have him as part of your family. I am very glad that I was blessed to have known him and very grateful that he made my first years at Caltrans alot more fun.

Carol Battleson-Puszert

January 28, 2013

I always enjoyed seeing Bob at our monthly Caltrans meetings before he retired. My deepest condolences to his entire family.

Chuck Murphy

January 27, 2013

Although I've only known Bob for 4&1/2 years, I feel like I've known him my whole life. He is the best neighbor I've ever had. I will miss trading tools across the street, competing with our Christmas displays, and yes, the corny jokes that went both ways. Every time I was working on a home project, I couldn't wait to show Bob the progress. He was always there to see what was going on. The first thing my little girl learned to say was "Hi Bob!" She would yell it across to him every time she saw him. Bob, you were a good man, who will be sorely missed.

Our heart goes out to your entire Family.

Lots of Love,

Melody Sanchez

January 24, 2013

My prayers are with the Hess family. It was a pleasure working with Bob.

January 20, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Barb, and your whole family. May God's love and strength comfort all of you in the days, weeks and months to come. Love you all. Love, Janet

Grace Brewer

January 20, 2013

Bobby you were a GREAT man I'm honored I ever met you, know you and made you "pretty" every month that's how you would ask me to do your beautiful silver hair! LOVE YOU!!! You will be dearly missed

Richard Tucker

January 20, 2013

Lots of loving prayers for Bob and the family.

Jeff Stewart

January 20, 2013

I remember as a young child playing with Bob's kids at his house. My dad worked with Bob at CalTrans and our families were friends. A little later, his nephew Dan was a friend of mine at school. Later still, I worked with Bob (and his brother-in-law Mike) at Hydrex.

He was good to me as a child, and good to me as a man. A warm heart. I hadn't talked with Bob in years, and yet I will miss him because Bob Hess was woven into the fabric of my life. I agree about "that great big smile and laughter" and the "corny jokes". We lost a good man.

My condolences to all the family members.

Jamie Fuentes

January 20, 2013

My babies are missing their Papa - one of the few constants they had in their lives. You never let them down, and I will be forever grateful for that. We love you and miss your corny jokes! Love Jamie, Israel, Kari, Teo and Maya

Annabelle

January 19, 2013

Love ya Hess!

Graham Dawson

January 18, 2013

Your beautiful field notes, that great big smile and laughter, and your humble presence will leave a void.
Everytime I drive the Ven 23/118 I remember those "good old days," quite a legacy Bob...

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