Barbara J. Hess was born in Fairview Township, Mifflin County, PA, on Feb. 28, 1938. She was the daughter of Howard B. Steele and Curlie Ellen (Wagner) Steele. She graduated from Lewistown High School in 1956 and received a bachelor’s degree from Messiah College in 1960. After working as the girls’ program director at the Lewistown YMCA, she began her teaching career in the Redland School District in January 1961. On June 10, 1961, she married the love of her life, Glenn I. Hess, in the Messiah College Chapel in Grantham, PA.
Barbara was a school teacher her entire life. After teaching in the Redland School District, the Mechanicsburg School District, and the Chambersburg School District, Barbara moved to the Lebanon School District. Barbara taught at the Lebanon School District from 1968 until her retirement in 2000. Even after retiring, Barbara continued as a substitute teacher for an additional four years. Teaching children was an important part of her life.
She is survived by her sister, Gloria Daubert; son, Edward H. Hess, and daughter-in-law, Donna Innocent; son, Jonathan C. Hess, and daughter-in-law, Melissa Hess; grandchildren, Olivia and Cameron (Ed), and Jacob and Julia (Jon); and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Glenn I. Hess; brother, James E. Steele Sr.; sister, Marjorie Steele Siwiec; sister, Virginia Steele Stannert; and brother, Terry S. Steele.
Barbara served her church through the years as Sunday school superintendent, Sunday school teacher, Bible school teacher/director, music director, church board member, and board for congregational life member, both in the local congregation and for the Mid-Atlantic Conference of the Brethren in Christ Church.
She was happiest when spending time with her family. She was an avid reader (especially her Bible), loved to do Sudoku, and loved observing God’s handiwork in nature, whether it was in the mountains of Pennsylvania or visiting National Parks. She spent her entire life serving the God she loved, Jesus Christ.
A public viewing will be held from 9-11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at Fairland Brethren In Christ Church, 529 W. Penn Ave., Cleona, PA 17042. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the Church. Inurnment will be held at the convenience of the family in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Greencastle, PA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the ALS Association.
