Clara Elizabeth Hess, 81, passed away peacefully at her home in Martinsburg, West Virginia, on Friday, October 31, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Born on April 6, 1944, in Martinsburg, WV, she was the daughter of the late Ethel Mae (Jordan) Besaw and Harvey Leonard Besaw.

Clara was a homemaker most of her life, but on occasion, she did work outside the home.  As a young woman she worked at National Fruit, peeling apples and in the orchards picking them.  While the children were small, she brought them along on housekeeping and babysitting jobs.   Later she worked for DHHR, where she dedicated her time to helping women develop essential life skills. Her last job was working in housekeeping at Shepherd University. Clara was a member of Calvary Bible Church.

Throughout her life, when someone was in need, Clara never hesitated to lend a hand. She served in the bus ministry for many years at Shenandoah Bible Baptist Church where many lasting friendships were made. Along with her husband, she would visit the families on her route and faithfully pick them up each Sunday for church.

People were her joy. She loved every visit with family and friends, especially her grandchildren. Her daily phone calls with her niece, Patricia, were among her favorites. She also enjoyed time spent at the sewing machine, in the kitchen cooking and baking, or just relaxing with her dogs by her side. She also loved going to local festivals and fairs.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Junior Hess.

Together they raised three children:

Lisa Dillon (Leonard)
Timothy Hess
Melissa Hess

Her memory endures in her grandchildren-

Zachary Dillon (Elizabeth), Ava Dillon, Addison Hess and Lavendar Hess

great-grandchildren-

Rose Dillon and Zander Dillon

brothers –

Kenny Besaw, Roger Besaw and Alan Besaw

sister-

Evelyn Franklin

a number of nieces and nephews

and her fur baby-

Bonnie Sue

Clara was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Beulah Hanna, Mary Thompson, Betty Robinson, Linda Walker, and one brother, Paul Besaw.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 1:00 PM Saturday, November 8 at Calvary Bible Church, 501 Faulkner Ave, Martinsburg, WV 25401.  Funeral services will follow at 1:00 PM with Pastor Dave Mosser officiating.

Interment will be at Pleasant View Memory Gardens in Kearneysville.

Floral tributes and memorials to Calvary Bible Church are both appreciated.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to every friend, family member, and caregiver who shared their time and compassion throughout Clara's life. Your kindness will never be forgotten.