Jean M. (Young) Hess

Jean Marie Hess, 97, of Benton, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024 at Emmanuel Center for Nursing, Danville, where she resided for one week under the care of hospice.

Born March 13, 1927, in Laporte, Sullivan County, she was a daughter of the late Clifton J. and Jennie L. (Snyder) Young. 

Jean attended schools in Waller and graduated from Sonestown, Sullivan County during World War II. In the fourth grade her late husband Robert L. “Bob” Hess sent a Valentine’s Day card to Jean (which she still had) eventually married her on June 27, 1947.   Almost inseparable for 73 years, they were each other’s soul mates. Together they showed their family what a true marriage is supposed to be. 

Jean worked at and retired from Milco Industries, Benton. Jean's interests painted the picture of a woman who found joy in life's simple pleasures. She could be found reading, putting together puzzles, and completing word searches. She enjoyed taking care of her plants and took great pride in caring for her home. Jean was also an avid seamstress, often found mending clothing for her family. An enthusiast of games, Jean was often found playing a card or board game, her competitive spirit paired with an ever-present smile.

Her home was often filled with the laughter of children and the warmth of family. She adored her three children, six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter, each of whom brought immense joy and purpose to her life. Her love for babies was unmistakable, and she cherished every moment spent with the youngest members of her family.

A lover of celebrations, Jean never missed an opportunity to commemorate birthdays and special occasions, ensuring that each event was memorable for her loved ones. Her home was the heart of family gatherings, where she hosted with grace and generosity, creating cherished memories that will live on.

Surviving are her three children Bernard J. Hess who resides at Glen Brook, Berwick, Sue Ellen Elliott (David) of Benton and Jeffrey T. Hess (Lonna) of Orangeville; six grandchildren Sherry Farver (Dusty), Brian Elliott (Brenda), Cassie Lovelace, Jeremy Hess (Lynn), Nevin Hess (Marisa), and Kristen Overdorf (Douglas); 14 great-grandchildren Brandy Steinruck (Ryan), D.J. Farver, Raina McShane (Paul), Cora, Myra, and Sean Elliott, Alexa, Alayna, and Isabelle Lovelace, Madisyn and Evangeline Hess, Benjamin and Journey Overdorf, and Carly Hess; a great-great-granddaughter Mia Steinruck; a sister, Norma Sweeney; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Calvin J., Max L., Alonzo C., and Myron Young, and an infant brother, Philip J. Young, and her sisters, Eathel C. Hess, Gladys Hallabuk, Helen M. Young, Edith E. Hess, Louise F. Hartman, Caroline E. Fulmer, and Arlene Bardo.

A funeral service to honor the life of Jean will be held Monday, June 24, 2024 at  11 a.m. at the McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., 4394 Red Rock Road, Benton with Pastor Bob Strozyk, officiating. Burial will follow in Benton Cemetery. A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service at McMichael Funeral Home, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jean’s name to Allan Harvey c/o Waller Memorial Hall, P.O. Box 507, Benton, PA 17814.

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