Devonna M. Hess
Martinsburg Journal – May 26, 2006
Devonna Mae Boltz Hess, 102, of Martinsburg, died Thursday, May 25, 2006, at Reeder’s Memorial Home in Boonsboro, Md.
Born May 12, 1904, at North Mountain, Berkeley County, she was the daughter of the late George Calvin and Annie Cathering Eversole Boltz.
Devonna attended Columbia School in Berkeley County. She was a country girl who enjoyed singing in Church, wading in creeks, gardening and taking care of pets and farm animals.
As a young woman she worked at the Interwoven Mills in Berkeley Springs and Martinsburg until she married in 1934. She and her husband built and paid cash for their first home during the depression. They eventually built a home on Rock Cliff Drive, where they raised their family of six children.
Devonna was a historian. She began writing journals and compiling family history 40 years ago. She loved visiting and telling stories from her youth. She was a family treasure.
She is survived by three daughters, Pauline R. Adams, of Ranson, Helen C. and husband Leo Sakeman, of Inwood, Leota Susie Hess, of Martinsburg; one son, Olin D Hess, of Martinsburg; and two stepdaughters, Beatrice Sine and Peggy Jones, of Martinsburg; Devonna had 21 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great grandchildren; one sister, Edith Fleenor, of Martinsburg; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert M. Hess; one daughter, L. Jacqueline Robinson; one son, Eugene E. Hess; two brothers, George and James Boltz; and one sister, Hazel Grabill.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 27 at 1 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home with Bishop Matthew Whitcomb of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, Mill Creek Ward, officiating. Interment will follow at Tuscarora Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m.
Martinsburg Journal – May 28, 2006
Funeral services for Devonna Mae Boltz Hess, 102, who died Thursday, May 25, 2006 were held on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home with Bishop Matthew Whitcomb officiating. Interment was in Tuscarora Cemetery.
Bearers were Rickey Custer, Sr., Rickey Custer, Jr., Vincent Hough, William Kerns, Matthew Miller, Daniel Munson, Sr., Daniel Munson, Jr., and P. Wayne Munson.
Christina Munson lead the congregation in “How Great Thou Art” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” Becky Raines sang “Amazing Grace.”
Friends and family gave remembrances. Sandra Munson, Sharon Munson, Wanda Church, and P. Wayne Munson all participated in the service.
John Robinson gave the dedication at the grave.