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Universally, when any of us considers the true meaning of Christmas, the reality of God’s gift of His Son, Jesus, the light of the world fills our hearts with love, hope and faith for a better tomorrow.

This last year on Christmas Day, a dear friend and artist whose life brought light and color to all who knew her entered life eternal. Bess Reide was a diminutive giant whose gentle and strong spirit blessed all who were privileged to know her. The fact that she died on Christmas Day might at first seem terribly sad, and yet, we are reminded by her copper enameling and cloisonné art, our memories of her and her years of volunteer work that she lives on in our hearts.

Bess was truly one of God’s special gifts to the world, whether to the Inland Empire Camp Fire Girls, Claremont United Church of Christ, Pomona Valley Art Association and Gallery SoHo, her family and friends.

In the 1960’s Bess was the Regional Director for the Camp Fire Girls, she continued to volunteer and support the organization for the remainder of her life. She loved sharing stories of her many adventures while with the Camp FireGirls, now known as Camp Fire U.S.A.

Bess taught copper enameling and cloisonné art at the Armstrong Center in Ontario for over 35 years. She had a unique gift to work with people of all ages and help them discover their special talents. Bess regularly won awards for her beautiful and unique artwork, as did many of her students.

For many years Bess was invited to be a judge at the Los Angeles County Fair, she especially enjoyed judging the arts and crafts in the America’s Kids Exhibit.

Bess designed and created banners for her church, one for each season of the year and later for each organization in the church, over 50 banners in all. The beautiful banner that hangs just outside the entrance to the SoHo Gallery was also one of Bess’ creations.

She was an active member of the Pomona Valley Art Association for over 30 years, serving on the board for many of those years. Bess’ unique and beautiful jewelry, copper enamel plates and artwork was what many considered the focal point of PVAA’s SoHo Gallery. Her generous spirit, humility and stoic nature was always present; even in her last year, at the age of 94, she continued to drive and volunteer at the SoHo Gallery.

For those of us who knew Bess, we are saddened for our loss, she will be greatly missed; but at the same time our spirits are lifted by the gift of having known this dear sweet friend with a heart of gold, Bess Reide.

• MEMORIAL SERVICES •
Saturday, March 14th at 3:00 PM
Claremont United Church of Christ
233 W. Harrison, Claremont