Obituary of Catharine B. Hess

Catharine B. Hess, 91, of State College, passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

Born August 8, 1931, in Bellefonte, she was the daughter of the late Gilbert and Esther Martz Baney. On October 22, 1955 she married her husband of 67 years, Charles I. Hess, who survives.

She is also survived by two daughters, Kathy Jo Raczka and her husband, David, of Higganum, CT and Beth Ann Hess and her partner, Elaine Perry, of Stonington, CT; a brother, Thomas E. Baney of Julian; a grandson, David Charles, and his partner Karisa Levasseur and a great granddaughter, Isla Katherine of Bristol, CT. Catharine was predeceased by her sister, Betty Worall and brother, Walter Baney.

After graduating from Bellefonte High School in 1949, she worked for the Brackbill family of Bellefonte until taking a position in the Bursars office at Penn State University as an administrative assistant. She continued her career moving to the Forest Resources Lab at PSU until her retirement in 1991.

Catharine was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Boalsburg where she attended Bible Study, Sunday school and was a member of the church choir for many years. She also volunteered at Mount Nittany Medical Center logging over 3000 hours of volunteer service.

In her spare time, she enjoyed cooking, baking and spending time with her family. Her family and friends would describe her as the "ultimate sports fan", attending or watching Penn State Hockey, Football and Wresting events. Her girls would say she was the oldest, most loyal Pittsburgh Pirates fan, rarely missing a televised game.

The family would like to thank all those who cared for her during her stay at Mount Nittany. They are truly angels.

Visitation will be held from 5 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 16, 2023 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College, PA.

Memorial service will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church, 105 Old Boalsburg Rd, Boalsburg, with Pastor Brent Book officiating.

Burial will be in Boalsburg Cemetery following the service followed by a lunch at the church.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to the Zion Lutheran Church in Boalsburg.

Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.