Ernest M. Hess

Ernest M. Hess, 81, of Lancaster PA died at home surrounded by loved ones on July 15, 2024. Ernest (Ernie) was born on December 29, 1942, at Willow Street, PA, to the late James H. and Anna S. (Hershey) Hess. He and his wife Lois (Myer) Hess celebrated fifty-nine years of marriage in June, 2024.

He graduated from Lancaster Mennonite School, Class of 1960. He received degrees from Eastern Mennonite University (BS), Cornell University (MST) and the Ohio State University (PhD). He was a member of East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church.

He worked at Lancaster Mennonite School in the roles of teacher, administrator and guidance counselor. From 1991 to 1997 he served as General Secretary of Lancaster Mennonite Conference. In addition, he served part-time as Pastor of Byerland Mennonite Church and as Bishop/Overseer in the New Danville District of Lancaster Mennonite Conference. Together with his wife, he served in educational and church support roles in Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia with Eastern Mennonite Missions and Mennonite Central Committee for six years. During his retirement years, he served as a substitute teacher in the Lampeter-Strasburg District and at Lancaster Mennonite School.

He enjoyed growing and sharing produce from the garden and travel with family. With Lois at his side every step, he section-hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, as well as the Jesus Trail in Israel and the Camino de Santiago in Spain, along with various trails in eastern Pennsylvania. In retirement, they enjoyed serving in volunteer roles at different locations across the US and internationally. Ernie had an insatiable appetite for ice cream, and for exploring the natural world all around him. Many of his friends and family will forever appreciate the gifts of evening primrose, amaryllis, dahlia, and redbud cuttings that continue to fill the world with life and color. Breezing along on the tandem bicycle with Lois brought him great joy. 

Surviving besides his wife Lois are a son, Philip, of Helena, Montana, and daughter, Audrey, of Gettysburg; granddaughters Danielle (Helena), Erin (Salt Lake City), grandsons Noé(Lancaster) and Lucas (Gettysburg); a sister, Esther Becker, of Ephrata, and two brothers: James (married to Annie) of Pequea, and Luke (married to Dorothy) of Willow Street.

A memorial service is planned on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church for 10:30 a.m. Visitation with the family will be 9:30-10:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 21 South 12th Street, Akron, PA 17501 or the David and Edith Thomas Endowment at Lancaster Mennonite School, 2176 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA, 17602.