Obituary of Julessa Thea Bass

Family and friends will gather at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos to say farewell to a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Julessa Bass, who passed away at her Santa Cruz home at the age of 55.

Born in Santa Cruz, Julessa graduated from Harbor High School where she was a talented soccer player and honored with the M.V.P award on the 1986 Lady Pirates Soccer Team. Julessa received her Bachelor’s Degree from Bethany Bible College, and then earned her Master’s Degree in English at San Jose State University.

She was a respected college instructor of English Literature and began her teaching career at Bethany Bible College and later for several community colleges including Cabrillo, Gavilan, Foothill and DeAnza Colleges.  She was a much-loved teacher at Fusion Academy in Los Gatos.

Julessa’s hobbies included playing soccer in the adult leagues through her late 30’s, and attending symphony concerts.  She was a voracious reader with a passion of course, for English Literature. She had a profound love of animals, especially her Australian Shepherd "Lucy". 

Julessa leaves her mother, Susan Bass, and father James Russ Bass; her brothers Samuel Bass and Matthew Bass; her stepsister, Haley Mai Bass; her aunt Gretchen Davidson; aunt and uncle Gloria James Guthmiller; cousins Bob and Steve Davidson; Dava and Malene Guthmiller, along with many dear friends, colleagues and former students who were benefactors of her knowledge and dedication.  
A memorial service will be held on Thursday November 8, 2023 at Twin Lakes Church (2701 Cabrillo College Drive) beginning at 1 p.m.

A kind act of charity in her memory to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is preferred.