Rocky Bess

We remember Rocky Bess as a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family dearly, and they will forever carry his memories and his spirit. Please join his family as they celebrate Rocky’s life and legacy.

Rocky is a lifelong Californian, born in Bakersfield on February 4, 1953, and raised in Glennville. Life later brought him to Bakersfield, where he met Kathy Bess (née Shank) at a McDonalds he managed. He later married Kathy on April 17, 1976. They had three children—Timothy, Jennifer, and Keri. He was a career Correctional Officer for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. In retirement, he spent time with his family and supporting Kathy’s endeavors to raise money for breast cancer research.

Rocky spent his life dedicated to his family. As a husband, Rocky strove to provide for Kathy and supported her endeavors. He worked to ensure that she would be taken care of in retirement, and he made Kathy’s interests his own. For years, he helped Kathy run Bakersfield Bobby Sox. He managed its website, hosted player signups at their home, and ran the snack bar during the season. When Kathy was diagnosed with breast cancer, Rocky went with her to treatments and doctor appointments. In retirement, he made frequent trips to Los Angeles to purchase fabric for Kathy’s Striking Out Cancer with Rio Bravo Cancer Center fundraising efforts and went with her to sell blankets across southern California.

As a parent, Rocky was deeply dedicated to his children and grandchildren. Rocky and Kathy spent their children’s early years going on camping trips across the country and driving around southern California going to club sporting events. He was a proud grandparent, or “Papa” as he was called, who cherished his grandchildren—Ryleigh, Regan, Colby, Karlie, Jacob, Lia, and Maddie. Nothing made him happier than having his children and grandchildren around.

From his youth in Glennville, Rocky loved the outdoors. He often bragged about successes on hunting and fishing trips. Later in life, he enjoyed going on vacations with Kathy. He was particularly fond of Alaska with its vast wilderness and wildlife, and he very much enjoyed trips to Branson, Missouri and Nashville, Tennessee to visit country music venues and “moonshine” distilleries. Recently, Rocky even started making his own moonshine, which he was more than happy to sample with family and friends. Beyond the outdoors, Rocky enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and NBA basketball. He was a master of finding good deals. Whether it was from the AM Radio Auction to internet forums, Rocky had a deal for the latest restaurant or the newest gadget.

As a career Correctional Officer, Rocky was a fierce advocate for law enforcement, his Country, and the Second Amendment. He cared about his community and valued the dedication of those committed to protecting the public, including his son Tim, who followed in his footsteps.

Rocky was born to Fred and Eloise Bess. He survived his parents, his in-laws, Delbert and Mildred Shank, his siblings, Edward, Benny, and Barbara, and is survived by his brother Mike Bess and sister Roseanne Bess. He is also survived by his wife Kathy Bess and son Tim and wife Elaine; daughter Jennifer and significant other Mike Palombo; daughter Keri Klingerman and husband Nick; and numerous family and friends. He is a proud Papa to Tim’s children Maddie, Ryleigh, Regan, Colby, and Lia, and Jennifer’s children Karlie and Jacob.

Kathy and family are beyond grateful to have wonderful family and friends who shared love and support over the past few months. They are particularly thankful for the exceptional kindness and compassion shown by Rio Bravo Cancer Center, Hoffman Hospice, and Bakersfield Fire Department, Station B03.

Rocky was a man of few words, but a large character. His family will miss him dearly and will carry on his memories fondly.

A visitation for Rocky will be held Friday, April 7, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306, followed by a graveside service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Bess family.