Kathi Bess

Katherine Anne Rowe Bess, Chef Kathi, died at home with family on May 1, 2015 after a brief battle with cancer. She is now dancing and smiling with the God who loves her and all of us so much.

There will be a Visitation from 5:00-7:00 pm on Friday May 8, 2015 at Faith Funeral Home in Havana. (850-539-4300 or www.faithfuneralhome.com) The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church of Havana, Reverend Ruth Mashewske will officiate the service.

Kathi was born on July 22, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Bernie Rowe and her mother Gertrude Rowe. She was a loving wife to the Reverend Bill Bess.
Kathi was the third of three biological children, and later part of a blended family of five. She grew up in Chicago and Lincoln, NE, graduating from Hinsdale Central High School in 1975. Kathi was further educated at Cottey College, MO, Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC, and Northern Illinois University. After student teaching in London and traveling Europe, Kathi worked in the fashion industry in New York City and Los Angeles before settling into being a second grade teacher in south Florida.

After moving to Tallahassee, Kathi found her passion for hospitality and gourmet cuisine, opened a café, and then her own catering company, ‘Canopy Rose’, which she ran successfully for twenty-one years. During this time Kathi also tried her hand at writing, winning awards, writing the bi-weekly column ‘Entertaining with Kathi’ for five years in the Tallahassee Democrat.She also had worked published in ‘Bon Apetit’.

Kathi moved to Havana, FL in 2007 where she met and married the love of her life, Bill Bess in 2009. Kathi and Bill lived a fun packed six years of travel, fun and dinner parties that was tragically cut short by cancer. Kathi was a disciple of Jesus, worshipping and praising her Lord at all times in all that she did from day to day.

Kathi was a member of PEO and believed wholeheartedly in their mission to young women. Her smile was contagious and lit up any room she entered. Kathi’s energy and love of life will be missed by all who knew her.

Kathi is survived by her husband, Reverend Bill Bess, Havana, FL, her Mother, Gertrude Rowe of Lincoln, NE, Step Mother, Elise Rowe of Denver, CO, brothers John Rowe (Debbie) of Denver and David Rowe (Martha) of Lincoln, step brother Blair Johnson (Sandy) of Denver, step sister Beth Kat (Jan) of Amsterdam, and nephews Daniel and Peter. She also claimed and was loved by all of her husband Bill’s family.

She was preceded in death by her father Bernie Rowe.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Havana, PO BOX 707, Havana, FL 32333 or the charity of your choice.