Barbara Frances Hess, 80, of Davenport, died Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018, at Genesis West Medical Center, Davenport. Per her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and no services will be held. The Runge Mortuary, Davenport, assisted the family with arrangements.
Barbara Hess was born Feb. 19, 1938, in Des Moines, the daughter of David and Mary (Neff) Hess. She graduated from Davenport High School and received her bachelor's and master’s degrees from Drake University. She completed a one-year fellowship at The College of William and Mary.
She taught American history and government at Davenport Central for 46 years. She also developed and taught courses in minority cultures, Chicano studies, Russian history, comparative government, and more.
She was an advisor for a number of councils, events and groups at Davenport Central, was the scorekeeper for the basketball team for 25 years, and served as an assistant cheerleading coach for several years. She was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, the National Education Society, the Iowa Education Society, the Davenport Education Society, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the National Council for Social Studies.
Her hobbies were sewing, reading, and spending time with her pets.
Survivors include her brothers, David Hess of Florida, and Donald (Joy) Hess of Hawaii; her nieces, Jo Hess, Sue Hess Treppenhauer, Ann Hess, Gabriela Hess, and Michelle Hess Wilkes; three great-nieces; and four great-nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Scott County Humane Society or the Davenport Public Library.
Online condolences may be made at www.rungemortuary.com.