Wilma A. Hess

HESS, Wilma A., age 104, of Centerville and formerly of Bellbrook and Xenia, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Bethany Lutheran Village in Centerville. Born on January 8, 1920, Wilma was born to the daughter of Sarah A. and William C. McClelland in Greene County. She was a member of the Bellbrook United Methodist Church and the Bellbrook Chamber of Commerce. A bookkeeper by trade, she maintained the ledgers for multiple companies until she was 101 years old, including their family business, Brookside Garage in Bellbrook. Extremely outgoing, hardworking, caring, giving, meticulous, and organized, Wilma greatly enjoyed big band music, ballroom dancing, and flower gardening. One eventful year, she won a Bellbrook beautification award for her beautiful flowering gardening work. While she was younger, she greatly enjoyed horses. It should be noted that she lived during a time when her family used horses for farm work. She also enjoyed traveling. She was able to visit Hawaii, California, Alaska, Jamaica, the eastern coast of the United States, and several other destinations. Her travels were by car, commercial airlines, and cruise ship. Always fond of visiting the beach, Wilma had a tradition of traveling to Florida to spend time with friends and her grandchildren, especially to Fernandina Beach. She was always the hostess and loved preparing for and having family over for Christmas get-togethers. She was also known to use the park next to their home to host events. In fact, above all other hobbies and traditions, Wilma enjoyed holiday gatherings and friends and family get-togethers more than anything else. Wilma married John G. “Gerald” Hess on October 22, 1943, who preceded her in death in November 1992. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Elaine Holley, and brother, Dr. Robert McClelland. She is survived by her son, Ronald (Sue) Hess; three grandchildren, Todd (Stephanie) Holley, Shawn (Julia) Holley, and Casey (Amber) Hess; six great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Noon on Saturday, June 1, at Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook. Burial will be in Bellbrook Cemetery. The family will receive friends 10 AM-Noon Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton or the Bellbrook United Methodist Church. Condolences at www.connerandkoch.com.

Wilma A. Hess

January 8, 1920 - May 25, 2024