Biography: Beatrice (Bea) Geraldine Brown Hess passed on March 21, 2024 at the age of 97 due to complications from a stroke In October 2023. She was married to the late Richard L. Hess for 75 years. Her surviving children are Geoffrey Hess,  Nancy Pettie (John), Richard Hess Jr, (June), Ruth Eichler (Robert) and Melissa Hess. Bea is survived by her grandchildren, Laura Hess, Cherie Weaver, Michelle Pettie, Stephanie  Pettie Caplinger, Jennifer Farrow and Megan Ramsburg;  great grandchildren:  Patrick Mattingly, Shannon Mattingly, Joey Caplinger, Gavin  Rouse, Ilana Rouse, Chase Farrow, Madison Ramsburg, Jackson Ramsburg and Oakley Weaver.  She is also survived by Sisters-in-law, Kathy Brown, Dorothy Hess and Shirley Hess and Brother-in-law Leo Hess and good friend, Tommie Mayo.  Bea was predeceased  by grandson, David Hess and great grandson, Ryder Farrow.  She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was predeceased by her siblings:  Leon Brown, Catherine Lewis, Dorothy Baker, Evelyn Houff, infant brother Reuben Brown,Virginia Brown and Donald Brown.  She was also predeceased by brothers-in-law, John Hess and Donald Hess.

Bea was born to Paul Harbaugh Brown and Belva Ruth Finneyfrock Brown on November 14,1926 in a small town of Thurmont, MD.  She grew up on the mountainside on a small farm and apple orchard. She always called it "her bit of heaven on earth."  She never had a lot of material  things, but was raised on values and love, which she taught to her children.  After graduating high school she went to work at Carroll  Shoe Factory in Littlestown where she met her future husband, Richard.  They were married June 28, 1946 at Baust Church.  They were blessed with five children.  Richard was the owner of Hess Bus Service and while raising her children, Bea was his secretary and bookkeeper.  After her children were raised she worked various jobs including Sears, Hanover House, Kenneys Market and Random House.  She loved gardening and canning.  Her peaches and applesauce were the best around.  Her rice pudding was super terrific. (She was always asked to make her rice pudding for gatherings!)  She was an awesome cook and baker. We often told her she should  open up a restaurant.  She not only loved her vegetable garden, but she loved her flower  garden as well, especially her iris garden.  She really had a green thumb when it came to taking care of them.

Bea loved family gatherings after her children grew up and had families of their own.  One of her favorite holidays to host was Christmas Eve.  We would all gather at St. Mary's UCC and after Christmas Eve service, we would go back to to the house for finger sandwiches, vegetable trays and such and the kid's favorite "Mom-Moms punch."  She enjoyed spending time with all her family whenever she could.   Bea will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Viewing is Wednesday, March 27, from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 P.M. at Little's Funeral Home, Littlestown.  Funeral is Thursday, March 28, at 11 A.M.  at St. Mary's UCC, Silver Run with The Rev. Samuel F. Chamelin officiating.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bea's name may be made to St. Mary's UCC, 1441 E. Mayberry Rd., Westminster  MD  21158. Online condolences may be shared on www.littlesfh.com.