Velda Jeanetta Hess (Brack) was born to Phillip and Susanna Brack on March 17, 1929 on a farm near Albert, KS. She attended rural school and St. Paul's Lutheran Church. She was baptized, confirmed and married in this same church.

A t the age of thirteen she attended the academy and later the college at St. John's in Winfield. She took a Parish Work Course, minored in business, and studied piano, organ and voice. Upon graduation, she married Norman W. Hess. This marriage lasted 51 and a half years until his death. The union was blessed with two children, Michael and Sharon. She worked for several years as a circulation bookkeeper at the Winfield Daily Courier. She finished her work on her BS degree at Southwestern College while teaching full time. She taught all eight grades in rural schools in Chautauqua and Cowley County, then in Winfield, and her last 20 years in Augusta. She culminated her 34 year career by receiving the Master Teacher Award in Augusta.

A fter retirement, she experienced cancer. In '98, the flood destroyed their home and all of their belongings. They found another home in Rose Hill, and a church home at Peace Lutheran Church in Andover. Her husband Norman died of cancer in '99.

S he is survived by daughter Sharon; grandchildren Susanna, Andrew, and Sean; great-grandchildren Grace Ann and Payton.

S he participated in monthly devotion at Rose Hill Nursing Home. She was always a member of the Teacher's Association and later retired teachers. She attended weekly Bible class and LWML. She sent out cards and did prayer line calls as part of the LWML mission.

T he Lord was with her in good and bad times, and she is looking forward to being with Him in Heaven.

M emorial service will be held Friday, September 18th at 10:30A.M at Peace Lutheran Church, 405 W 21st St, Andover, KS 67002 . Following the service will be a graveside service at Bruno Township Cemetery at 11:00 A.M, in Andover.