Clara Vance Hess

Clara Vance Hess, age 88, of Richlands, Virginia, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2019 at her home in Richlands, Virginia after a battle with a lengthy illness. Clara was born on October 24, 1930 to the late Charlie C. and Nancy Burke Vance in Richlands, Virginia. Clara was a member of the Richlands High School Class of 1948. During her time at Richlands High School, she was a member of the girl’s basketball team. Clara served as a nurse at Clinch Valley Medical Center where she retired after 25 years of service. Clara was a member of the First Christian Church in Richlands for 20 years where she was a member of the Christian Women’s Fellowship and the Philathean Guild. She also taught Sunday School and led Bible Study. Prior to becoming a member at First Christian, she was a member of the West Fork Presbyterian Chapel and Richlands Presbyterian Church more than 40 years where she served as an elder, treasurer, taught Sunday School, Bible School and was a member of Women’s Circle. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, and friend. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, William Reese Hess, Jr.; two brothers, Marvin and Lee Vance; one sister, Opal V. Crawford; maternal grandparents, Samuel and Jane Baldwin Burke; and paternal grandparents, William H. and Maggie Helton Vance. Survivors left to continue her legacy are: Loving Husband of 70 years: William R. Hess of Richlands, VA Son: John K. Hess of Richlands, VA and girlfriend, Thelma McGlothlin of Council, VA Grandson: Brady Hess of Richlands, VA Daughter in Law: Lynnette Hess of Newport News, VA Sisters in Law: Mary Vance of Yakima, WA; Jane Hurt of Richlands, VA; and Helen Hess of Richlands, VA Brother in Law: Harry Hess and wife, Peggy of Richlands, VA A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends also survive. Funeral services for Clara V. Hess will be conducted Monday, March 18, 2019 at 2pm at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, VA with the Rev. Stafford Compton and Rev. Nick Koontz officiating. Entombment will follow at the Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum in Claypool Hill, VA. Pallbearers will be: Brady Hess, Craig Hunsaker, Gabe Hunsaker, Josh Doud, Jim Hurt, II, Eddie Cruey, Logan Forrest, and Rodney Stout. Honorary Pallbearers will be men of the First Christian Church, Harry Hess, Jerry Compton, Steve Cole, and Brett Compton. Friends may call from 6pm until 9pm Sunday evening at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: First Christian Church, PO BOX 1307, Richlands, VA 24641. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia oversees arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.

Clara Vance Hess

October 24, 1930 - March 16, 2019