Jody Bell Hess passed away on Friday, April 27, 2007.

Jody is survived by her devoted and loving husband Ty Hess, her mother Linda C. Bell of Sugar Land, and immediate family including sisters Roni Bell and husband Britt Gralka, of Denver, Colorado, Jamie Bell, of Houston, and beloved nieces Cameron and Taylor Gralka. In addition she is survived by loving aunts, uncles, cousins and family members as well as her dear, dear friends.

Jody is preceded in death by her father Ronnie Bell of Sugar Land; grandparents Robert and Runie Clark and Glen and Wanda Bell of McKinney, Texas.

A 1991 graduate of Dulles High School, she attended Southwest Texas University and received her masters degree at the University of Northern Colorado. As a special education teacher, she taught special education at Colorado Christian Home (a state funded private school for troubled children) and Sheridan ISD in Denver, Colorado, as well as Bastrop ISD, Bastrop, Texas. She was a brilliant and gifted teacher believing that the disabilities she had due to her illness and surgeries inspired the students in that no matter their physical limitations, they too could succeed.

Diagnosed in 2002 with a rare cancer, through two surgeries and numerous chemotherapy treatments, as well as physical adversities, Jody never gave up. She simply ran out of time. The medical care that she received was administered by many caring and gifted physicians, nurses, and hospice personnel.

As only Jody could, she would square her shoulders, throw her head back, and put on that dazzling smile that told the world that no matter what, she was meeting the world head-on. She loved life and lived every day to its fullest potential. A great listener and intuitive friend, her love for life knew no bounds.

Jody cherished her husband and family with all her heart and their love for her, she believed was her greatest gift. Her vast circle of friends was more an extended family than mere acquaintances. She was an incredible ally and friends often sought her to share their greatest happiness, and deepest sorrows. She will be greatly missed.

In late 2005 Jody and Ty came to Texas from Denver, Colorado making their home in Bastrop, Texas, on 18 beautiful acres of rolling hills, wild flowers and a dream come true. On April 29, 2007, at Jody’s request, their ranch “At Last” served as the location of her memorial service and celebration of her life.