Bess Tardy was born in Dallas on September 25, 1920. She was born to Czechoslovakianparents who had immigrated to the United States. She was probably born at home in SouthDallas where she and her parents lived with her father's sister and uncle, Aunt Mary and UncleEmil. Also living there were her fathers parents.She is proceeded in death by her parents Frank Charles Kopecky and Anna Kopecky and herhusband James Noel Tardy.She is survived by a large family for whom she cared and was an important part of each oftheir lives:Her sisters: Lillian Caroline Curry, and Mary Ann Steely and husband Jerry.Her daughters: Noel Ann Tardy and Sharon T. McDade and husband William.Her grandchildren: Patricia Lynn Pogue and husband Rev. Dean Pogue, Michelle FrancineBailey, Kristen McDade and husband Greg Wilson.Her great grandchildren: Marcus Stephen Mueller, Kristina Michelle Vasquez, Shelby AustinVasquez, William Ross Jefferies, Bruce Hunter Jefferies, Josie Marie Chamness.Her great great grandchildren: Breyden Fuller Jefferies and Knox Castle Jefferies, Eli JamesGarcia.Nieces and nephews: Edie Ramey and husband Fred, Jackie Berry and husband Chris, PhillipCurry and wife Jennifer, Chuck Woodard and wife Marilyn, Paula J. Woodard, Billy Woodard(deceased), Kyle Woodard (deceased).Great nieces and nephews: Parker Ramey, Anna Borden and husband Colin, Phillip Curry Jr.,Patricia Curry, Jack Curry, Justin Woodard, Meredith Dowdy, Ashley Tanner, Kaid Woodard.She was also a devoted granny to her precious poodle, Princess.As a child, Bess spoke only Czech and learned English when she went to school. Throughouther long and joyful life, family (both "natural" and "extended") was deeply and profoundlyimportant to her. From an early age she learned that the most important things in life...aren'tthings; but rather, people.Bess graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in the class of 1938. She loved high schooland was a drum majorette where she was involved in many activities there. Many of thesefriendships continued throughout her life.While raising her daughters, she did accounting and bookkeeping for her father at Ross Ave.Ignition Service. Later, she co-owned a boutique Rags for Dolls with her sister Mary Steely, andshe owned a catering company, Crouton's Etc. with her daughter Noel Tardy.Bess's love of cooking and growing vegetables produced many wonderful meals for familygatherings. She treasured her collection of her mother's recipes and hand copied and passedthem to next generations.Bess loved antiques and collected beautiful cut glass and antique china. Daughters and familybenefited from her knowledge and shopping sprees for antiques.For many years Bess enjoyed her participation in the Variety Club, an international charity,providing medical help for children.Bess was blessed by incredible people in her life especially in her later years. Special friendssupported and assisted with her needs: John Culver and Rubye Andrews, and Ivy Carney andMax Mull. The family can never express how thankful we are for all they did and still do.The family is also grateful to the medical staff at Medical City Dallas Hospital for their care andattention to Bess Tardy. On Tuesday, February 10, 2015, with family and friends, she quietlywent to sleep and took her last breath.Please send family condolences and sign the guestbook on this website.