Elvin H. Hess, 78 of Conestoga passed away at home under Hospice care on Sunday, April 28, 2024. He was born in Pequea on April 18, 1946, the son of the late Christian M. and Edna Harnish Hess. He was married to Susan Heistand Hess and they would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary in October.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter Brenda Hess Kraetz (Matthew), Mooresville, NC and two sons Scott D. (Kristel Trewitt), Willow Street and Gregory L. (Heather O'Connell), Conestoga.
He was known as "Pap" to nine grandchildren: James (Harley) McElroy, Hailey (Thomas) Aston, Logan Hess, Kylee Hess, Lily Hess and Katelyn, Zakary, Bekah and Nikole Kraetz plus one great-granddaughter Miley James McElroy.
Elvin was raised in a large family as one of twelve children and is survived by four brothers, Christian M., Jr. (Elaine) Pequea, Raymond (Faye) Conestoga, Richard (Lynda) Hershey, Park (Stacy) Mancos, CO and three sisters Pauline Reitz (Melvin) Lancaster, Edna Kilheffer (Kevin) Lancaster, and Joyce Shertzer (Philip) Mountville. He was predeceased by two brothers, Abram H. and John Henry and two sisters, Anna Mae Hess and Esther Hess.
Elvin was a dairy farmer until he was 45 years old and knew every cow by name. After that, he pursued his love of landscaping and ultimately retired from Willow Valley Retirement Community Grounds Department in 2015.
He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Elvin and Sue prepared dinner for them almost every Sunday for the last 30 years. The menu was usually deer sausage which Elvin grilled (he enjoyed hunting and was usually successful), mashed potatoes and corn (grown in his own gardens). He enjoyed gardening (flower and vegetable) and took great pleasure in tending his collection of over 200 varieties of Hosta.
Burial will be at the convenience of the family. A drop-in at his home to remember and celebrate his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those desiring can make contributions in memory of Elvin Hess to the Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area Chapter, 3550 S. Clark Street, Suite 203. Arlington, VA 22202 or Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17604. For other information, please call 717-872-1779 or to submit an online condolence visit: www.melaniebscheidfh.com.
Melanie B. Scheid Funeral
Directors & Cremation Services
Conestoga & Lancaster
