Charles Bender Hess, 94, of Lancaster, passed away at 9:45 am on December 7, 2015 at Landis Homes Retirement Community, Lititz, PA.He was the husband of the late Alverna Heller Hess of Lancaster for nearly 70 years.Charles was born on April 19, 1921 in New Holland, the son of the late Aaron R. and Lillie Bender Hess.
Charles operated a dairy farm in East Lampeter Township for 20 years and was recognized as an innovative farmer. Later, he managed the packing department for the former Martin Meats plant near Bridgeport for 13 years. Charles then worked as a real estate professional throughout Lancaster County for over 20 years, serving first as an agent but quickly earning his broker's license.He was also a long-time member of the National Association of Realtor's professional organization.He was a lifetime member of Mellinger Mennonite Church.Throughout his life, Charles was very involved in church activities, including helping to develop the young boys' program, "Torchbearers", teaching Sunday School, and serving as a Trustee.He also served faithfully as a Board Member and Treasurer of the Sunday School Meditations radio ministry for many years.Charles also served as a school bus driver for the Conestoga Valley School District.
While he and his wife were busy raising their six children on Northfield Farm near Bridgeport, Charles also served as a 4 H Club leader.Charles loved gardening, fishing and hunting near their cabin in northern PA.
Charles leaves behind:six children, Elsianne, widow of the late Allen Stoltzfus, of Harrisonburg, VA; C. Richard, married to Mary Ann (Umble) Hess, of Lancaster; Donald L., married to Janet E. (Ranck) Hess, of Lancaster; Dorothy J., widow of the late Alvah Pearson, of Vacaville, CA; Sally Jo, of Lancaster; James R., married to Joan (Miller) Hess, of Landisville; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a sister, Emma wife of Earl Good of Terre Hill; and a brother Paul Hess of Morgantown.He was preceded in death by: a grandson, Reuben Stoltzfus; a brother, Walter B. Hess; and two sisters, Nora Lichty, and Mildred Weaver.
A public memorial service will be held in the West Chapel at Landis Homes Retirement Community, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543, on Friday, December 11, 2015 at 3:30PM with Pastor Leon H. Oberholtzer officiating. A visitation will be held from 2:30 PM until the time of service. Previous to the service a private traditional interment will be held at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Charles' memory to Landis Homes – Caring Fund, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543. Arrangements entrusted to Murray A. Miller with Reynolds Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc.To send an online note of condolence, please visit our website at reynoldsfuneralhome.net.