Bess Oatts Anderson was born September 26, 1940, and departed this life Wednesday, December 3, 2025, reaching the age of 85 years. She was the daughter of the late Shelby David "Shell" and Gladys (Gossage) Oatts.

She is survived by: her children, David Bell, and wife, Rhonda, of Monticello and Lenell Jackson, spouse Tim, of Corbin, KY; stepson, Roger Anderson, wife Lisa, of Florida; grandchildren, Shelby Bell, wife Rebekah, Camrin Bell, wife Taylor, Michaela Bell, Drew Bell, wife Mary Morgan, Whitney Bell; and great grandchildren, Lylia, Elynore, Lochlyn,  Eliza Jane, Mary Louise Bell, and Keldon Garcia. She is also survived by : sisters-in-law, Pat Bell Norrick, husband Jim, and Rita Bell Green; along with a host of family and friends who mourn her passing.

In addition to her parents, Shell and Gladys Oatts, she was preceded in death by: her husband, Earl "Bud" Anderson; siblings, William "Bill" Oatts and Doris Cooper; sisters-in-law, Janette (Ramsey) Oatts, Imogene (Anderson) Kendrick, and Carol Ann Morris; and brothers-in-law, Kenneth Cooper and Lloyd Morris.

Bess retired from the University of the Cumberlands after 23 years as the Women's Resident Hall Director. She loved and enjoyed working with her university family. She enjoyed cooking, crafting, and hosting many fellowship gatherings with her university family, church family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 6, 2025, between 10:30 am – 1 pm in the chapel of the funeral home.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 1 pm at the Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Elk Spring Cemetery.

Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.