Helen Hess

Helen Hess, 98, of Lewisburg, died Saturday, January 17, 2026 at her home.

Helen was born January 27, 1927, in Clearfield to the late Rev. George E. and Lucinda M. (McFarland) Kelly. On May 21, 1949, she married Roy J. Hess, who predeceased her October 5, 2012. Together they celebrated 63 years of marriage.

Helen was a 1942 graduate of Huntingdon High School and attended Juniata College.

Helen loved Jesus and was a consistent prayer warrior. She was a member of the Presbyterian denomination and a regular volunteer for numerous organizations, including the Salvation Army.

Helen enjoyed reading, golf, bridge, playing games and gardening. Most importantly, she loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them.

Helen is survived by her children, Susan Smalley and her husband, Keith, of Lewisburg; Patricia Kephart and her husband, Ken, of State College; Ann Belue and her husband, Dave, of Charlotte, NC and James Hess and his wife, Amy, of Lake Kiowa, TX; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Riverwoods Senior Living Community, which Helen called home for almost 14 years, on Saturday, January 25th at 10:30am.

The family would like to thank the caregivers from Senior Helpers, the Ridgecrest Staff, WellSpan Hospice Services and special friends, Amber and Natalee, for all their care and support.

Memorial contributions in Helen’s memory can be made to the Riverwoods Benevolent Fund, checks made payable to the Asbury Foundation 90 Maplewood Drive Lewisburg, PA 17837 or online at www.asbury.org/foundation/donate/ or to Wellspan Hospice, 235 Hospital Drive Lewisburg, PA 17837.

The family is being assisted by Cronrath-Grenoble Funeral Home, South Second and St. Louis Streets, Lewisburg