Ira A. Hess

Ira A. Hess, 78, of Mount Joy, went home to be with the Lord on
Friday, August 30, 2013 at Rheems Nursing and Rehab Center. Born in
Mount Joy Twp. He was the son of the late Ezra E. and Martha (Auker)
Hess. He was the husband of Marion L. (Putt) O’Connell Hess of Mount
Joy. His first wife, Grace I. (Shank) Hess, passed away in 2001.
A 1952 graduate of Mount Joy High School, Ira was a member of West
Green Tree Church of the Brethren. A self-employed farmer, he managed
his father’s dairy farm in the 1960’s-70’s and also during that time
farmed his grandfather’s farm. While farming he drove school bus for
the Elizabethtown School District and after retiring from farming
drove charter buses for Johnson Bus Company until 1997. Additionally,
he delivered feed for Salunga Feed Mill and ran a custom silage
business. Ira was a former member of the Florin Fire Co., where he
served as financial secretary and drove both pumper and tanker trucks.
Ira also enjoyed bowling.
In addition to his wife Marion, he is survived by three children:
Dennis E. Hess; Barbara Ann (Ricky W.) Hilt and Bonnie J. (Michael T.)
Geltmacher, all of Mount Joy; four grandchildren, 2 great
grandchildren; a brother Leroy A. (Peggy) Hess, Mount Joy; four
step-children: John R. (Heidi) O’Connell, Elizabethtown; April L.
O’Connell, Lewisberry; Joanne O’Connell, Elizabethtown and Shannon L.
(Bruce) Stout, Elizabethtown; eight step-grandchildren and 2
step-great grandchildren.
Ira was preceded in death by two brothers: Wilbur A. and Robert A. Hess.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at West
Green Tree Church of the Brethren, 740 Green Tree Road, Elizabethtown
at 10:30 AM. Viewing will be on Wednesday from 9:30 AM until the time
of service. Interment will take place in the church cemetery.