Viola Ruth Hess (nee: Hope), age 97, a lifelong resident of Claridon Township, passed away peacefully at Ohman Family Living at Blossom in Huntsburg, Ohio on April 29, 2021.

Viola was born on April 19, 1924 to Carl and Vera (nee: Wovel) Hope and was the oldest of their three children.  She was a graduate of Burton High School where she met and later married her beloved husband, Emil Hess.  She and Emil built a home on the Hope farm on Ensign Road where they raised six sons.  In her younger days, Vi was an aid in the maternity unit at Geauga Medical Center.  She later served for many years as a bus driver for the Berkshire Local School District.  Vi also enjoyed working at the local Country Style Drive-In store in Claridon. Her warm and loving ways were shared while volunteering at Ohman Family Living at Blossom and as a member of Mapleview Mennonite Church.

Viola was an avid bowler, enjoyed bluegrass and gospel music, loved walking the beach collecting shells, and never missed a Geauga County Fair.  She was an ever-present fan in the stands during hundreds of sporting events of her children and grandchildren, always cheering them on in her supportive, sincere way! She lived a purposeful life as a steadfast wife, mother, sister, and friend to many. Her steady faith in Jesus Christ, her Savior, brought her an inner peace that was evident to all who knew her.  Vi was always there for anyone who needed her with strength and dignity, sharing life’s joys and trials. She had the simple gift of making others feel special and was always glad to invest her life in others. 

She is survived by her children, Jack Hess of Middlefield, Larry Hess of Middlefield, Curtis (Pam) Hess of Claridon Township, Dana (Linn) Hess of Orwell, Brian (Lori) Hess of Claridon Township, and Alan (Donna) Hess of Tennesse; brother, Harold Hope of Garrettsville; 20 Grandchildren, and numerous Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Emil Hess, sister, Alice Dietz, and daughter-in-laws, Lois Hess and Lareda Hess, and Great Grandson, Jake Hess. 

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 6, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM with a Funeral Service to begin at 12:30 PM at the Burr Funeral Home, 116 South Street, Chardon, OH  44024.  Interment will follow at the Claridon Center Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Viola’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The funeral service will be live streamed at https://boxcast.tv/view/viola-hess-477918. You can watch by clicking the live stream button on her obituary. 

Arrangements made by the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service.  Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.