Elizabeth Bess Girgich passed away on November 2 2009 with her loving husband Ivan and her immediate family at her side. Bess and Ivan had been married 40 years. Her death resulted from a massive stroke she suffered two days previously. Bess is survived by her husband Ivan Girgich of Rossmoor sons John B. Phillips (Maryly) of Moraga and James T. Phillips of Meridian Idaho and twin brother Thomas Griffin (Jan) of Martinez. She was predeceased by her third son David H. Phillips (Judy). In addition she is survived by eight grandchildren: Claire E. Phillips (Scott Hirsh) John W. Phillips Paul S. Phillips (Kathleen) Eve M. Phillips Brett G. Phillips (Krista) Trent H. Phillips (Selena) Elizabeth P. Kelley (Sean) and Ashley P. Frieden (Chris) as well as by 12 great grandchildren. Bess was raised on the Griffin family farm located in the Alhambra Valley just outside of the Martinez city limits was the valedictorian of her Alhambra High School class of 1929 and earned a Phi Beta Kappa key while completing her education at the University of California Berkeley. After marrying her first husband and having three sons she soon became the primary financial support for her family. She joined Argonaut Insurance Company as its first employee in 1947 and remained with that company until she retired in 1969 and married Ivan. She loved Cal playing bridge and traveling with Ivan and for many years the two of them traveled to exciting spots throughout the world. Her greatest interest in recent years after her family was in preserving the open space and natural beauty of Mt. Diablo. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life service on Sunday November 22 2009 at 2:00 pm in the Diablo Room of the Hillside Club 3400 Lower Golden Rain Road Walnut Creek CA 94595.