HARRIET ELSIE HESS

HARRIET E HESS

Harriet E Hess (91) took her last breath quietly in
her sleep surrounded by family on May 25 th
2024.

Harriet was born in Pennsylvania to Walter
Rautter and Anna Sherlock-Rautter on June 29,
1932. She had a big sister, Dolores Solomon, who
predeceased her. Harriet met (by chance) her
very first boyfriend and a Navy sailor who she
married, Ralph J Hess, in 1952. Harriet and Ralph
were happily married 50+ years before his
passing in 2003.

Harriet graduated from Haverford High School, in
Havertown PA, Class of 1950. Soon after
graduation she headed west to Northern CA with
her husband and started a family. A son first,
then two daughters. Harriet is survived by her
children, Larry Hess, Debra Krieger, Darlene
Calhoun and her husband Bennie. Also Survived
by her are 4 grandchildren (Angie, Tony, JD,
Jennifer) and 5 great grandchildren. Harriet’s
family included 12 nieces and nephews and
family throughout AZ, CA, OR and PA.

Harriet retired from the State of California as a
shorthand skilled Executive Secretary in 1989.
Harriet’s passion is she loved animals. She loved
cats but especially dogs. Having that big heart,
she adopted stray cats, fed them and took care of
their medical needs.

Harriet had other passions including, reading,
baseball, football, poker and Bingo! She loved to
play cards and her favorite was Texas Holdem’
Poker. Harriet became quite adept at bluffing!
Harriet was a shy and tiny 4’11” young girl and
became a woman unto her own. Shy, yet
friendly. Frugal, yet generous. All of her family
and friends will miss her dearly. She is now
reunited with Ralph and the family that has gone
before her.

In lieu of flowers, Harriet would be pleased if you
donated in her name to the Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty of Animals.
https://www.sspca.org/

Harriet will be laid to rest with Ralph at a
Graveside service at 12:00 pm, June 18, 2024 at
the Hicksville Cemetery, 10035 Arno Rd, Galt CA
95632. Following the service there will a
gathering at the “Hess Ranch”.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of HARRIET ELSIE HESS, please visit our floral store.