Obituary for Betty Hess (Mehlenbacher) Betty M. Hess Hornell Betty M. Hess, 92, of West Pine Street, passed away peacefully Saturday (Sept. 29, 2018) surrounded by her family at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Born in Dalton, January 31, 1926, the daughter of Leo and Gladys Ludwig Mehlenbacher, she was a graduate of the Nunda High School and the former Hornell Business School. She had resided in Hornell since 1947. Betty was a member of the former East Avenue United Methodist Church and had served on many of the church offices. She was currently a member of the Hornell United Methodist Church and had served the church as a member for over 80 years. She was a member of the Five Rivers Council for Boy Scouts of America (BSA) for over 60 years where she served the Thunderbird District on the council executive board, the District Advancement Committee, and as District Commissioner, playing a large role in assisting many scouts in attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. In her many years of service to the Boy Scouts of America, Betty received the W. Hanford Curtis Award, Silver Beaver Award, the Silver Beaver Honor Bar, the Silver Fawn District Award of Merit Commissions, Arrow Head Award, Diocesan Catholic Committee of Scouting Certificate of Merit, God and Service Award thru the United Methodist Church and Boy Scouts of America, the Thunderbird District Godmother Award, and the Hornell YMCA Man of the Year award three different times. She also received the Steuben County American Legion Award, was elected to the Camp Gorton Hall of Fame, and received the Key to the City of Hornell in 2016.In 2018, Betty was honored with the Jefferson Award for special service to children and youth. Along with serving her church and the BSA, Betty volunteered at numerous facilities in the community. She was the vice chairman of the board of directors of the Kids Café as well as kitchen coordinator. She was the advisory board chairman and head volunteer in the food pantry at the Hornell Salvation Army for 21 years where she was awarded a bell ringer award in 1993, an outstanding volunteer award in 1994, and the William Booth Award in 1996. She was the director of the United Way in the Hornell area for seven years, receiving the Errol Shand Award in 1996. The Hornell YMCA was also blessed to have her on the board of directors as secretary for 20 years. The Bath National Bank appointed Betty Volunteer of the Year in 1971. In 1991, she received the Clinton Dewitt Masonic Award for Community Service. In 2005, she was chosen to be the Steven Mills Grange Community Citizen of the Year. A few other places Betty volunteered include: the Hornell Narcotics Council, Hornell Arts Council, Community meals, and the Hornell Civic Committee for Youth Recreation for 21 years. Betty was given the Jaycees Man of the Year Award. She was predeceased by her parents, as well as her husband Walter Hess Jr. in August of 1990 after 41 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her brothers; Eugene, Charles, Dean, Gordon and Vance and her grand daughter, Holly Helen. She is survived by three sons; Francis “Fritz” (Donna) Hess of Dansville, James Hess of Hornell and Douglas (Barbara) Hess of Hornell and Florida, two sisters-in-law; Carolyn Crawford of Edinbora, PA., and Norma Mehlenbacher of Dundee, nine grandchildren; Trevor, Michael, Melissa, Jessica, James, Chrissie, Heidi, Amy and Aaron. To send a remembrance to the family, please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com. The family is being assisted by Gerald R. Brown, Director at Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home of Hornell. The family of Betty Hess would like to thank Dr. Nasar Chaudhry for not only being her doctor but for also for being her dear friend for many years. The family will be present to receive friends at the Hornell United Methodist Church, Webbs Crossing Road in Hornell on Thursday (Oct. 4, 2018) from 2 PM until 6 PM where a Funeral service will follow calling hours at 6:00 PM. Rev. Lenny Fuller will officiate. Burial will be in Canaseraga Cemetery. Betty requested no flowers but asked that those wishing make donations to the Hornell United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, Webbs Crossing Road, Hornell, NY 14843, The Five Rivers Council BSA, PO Box 5190, Horseheads, NY 14844, the Hornell YMCA, 12 Center Street, Hornell, NY 14843. To send flowers to the family of Betty Hess (Mehlenbacher), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. Order Flowers
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Betty Hess 1926 2018.
Bender, Brown & Powers Funeral Home
Death notice for the town of: -, state: New York