Eleanor L. (Light) Hess

Eleanor L. Hess age 93, of Greencastle, PA and a resident of Menno Haven in Chambersburg since 2017, died Monday, June 13, 2022, at the Menno Haven Nursing Center. Born July 22, 1928, in Palmyra, PA, she was the daughter of the late C. Alvin Light and Verna (Doutrich) Light.

She graduated from Palmyra High School in 1946, where she went on to work at the Hershey Chocolate Factory. On May 7, 1949, she was married to Jay R. Hess by Bishop Charlie Byers in his home. After marriage, Eleanor worked as a homemaker and provided childcare for others. As her children matured, she worked at Lehman’s Egg Co., at the former Town and Country Store in Chambersburg, where she managed the soup kitchen, and she also co-owned and operated the Band-Box Shoppe in Greencastle, with her husband.

Eleanor faithfully attended Montgomery Brethren In Christ Church, Mercersburg, where she was the organist and pianist for many years. She taught Sunday school and was involved with the Child Evangelism as she led Good News Clubs in local homes. She counted Jesus as her friend and wanted to serve Him. She was a prayer warrior and often prayed for family, her Sunday school students, and other people on her mind.

Notably, Eleanor taught herself how to play the guitar. She liked to crochet, knit, quilt, and sew. She loved to make people smile and was quick-witted.

Surviving are her children, Curtis Hess of Ephrata, PA, Carlton (wife Suzanne) Hess of Chambersburg, PA, and Celina (husband Benjamin) Stoops of Shady Grove, PA, 5 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Jean MacFarlane of FL, brother, Earl Light (wife Kathryn) of Palmyra, PA, brother-in-law, Carl Raser of California, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jay in 2012; sister, Jane Raser; daughter-in-law, Cynthia Hess; a brother-in-law, David MacFarlane; and step mothers, Sarah and Velma Light.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 11 AM at Montgomery Brethren In Christ Church, 6727 Montgomery Church Rd., Mercersburg, PA 17236 with Pastor Japheth Nell officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the above church and address.  Private interment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery Greencastle, PA. Arrangements are entrusted to the Harold M. Zimmerman and Son Funeral Home, Inc., Greencastle, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Montgomery Brethren In Christ Church 6727 Montgomery Church Rd. Mercersburg, PA 17236. 

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