Hess, Hettie K. Horst (1871-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Feb 7 p. 8

Birth date: 1871 Nov 2

text of obituary:

HETTIE K. HESS

Hettie (Horst) Hess, our loving mother was born Nov. 2, 1871, in Washington County, Md. Here she spent her childhood days and grew to womanhood. She began attending school when only three years of age. Because she cried to go too, her father spoke to the teacher and he said, "Send her along." Then the teacher would take her on his lap and say "Het, you'll be my pet."

In her youth she accepted Christ as her Saviour and He became Lord of her life for more than 70 years. She was baptized and received into fellowship at Reiffs Mennonite Church, later bringing her membership to the Marion, Pa. Mennonite Church where she remained true and faithful to the last.

On Feb. 4, 1897, she was united in marriage to Abram L. Hess of Franklin County, Pa. and so she came to Pennsylvania to live and spent the remainder of her life there. This union was blessed with three daughters and two sons of whom two daughters survive, Mrs. May C. Baer and Lydia Ruth at home. Father passed away 19 years ago.

Mother taught a Sunday school class for a short time, but for many years she was deprived of much activity for her Lord and the church. In later years she spent many hours in piecing comfort tops which she gave to the sewing circle. Later she decided to learn to knit sweaters and donate them to the sewing circle also, which she did for 15years. Mother was also mindful of local needs and in her quiet and unassuming way many received help when needed. Today we drive into our macadamized churchyard at Marion Mennonite church because of mother's generosity. She used this method of giving when she could no longer serve as janitress in cleaning the church, which she did free of charge for a number of years.

Last summer while building a new home, mother spent many days in watching and fond anticipation of moving into a more convenient home. On Nov.13, 1956, this was realized and two months later, Jan. 13, 1957, she left the home for her heavenly Home where she awaits the home coming of her other loved ones.

Besides the two daughters she leaves to mourn her departure a son-in-law, Henry S. Baer; three grandsons, Henry H. Baer, Leon R. Baer and Lowell S. Baer; two great-grandchildren, Susan E. Baer and Leon R. Baer Jr.; and a brother, S. Lesher Horst of Maugansville, Md.

Funeral services were held Jan. 15 at the Marion church and her body was laid to rest in the cemetery nearby. Rev.14:13.