Edith Louise Hess, 88 of Helena

Our dear mother and grandmother, Edith “Louise” Hess, passed peacefully in her sleep on December 23, 2012.

Louise was born on October 11, 1924 to Alfred and Mary (Buie) Geddes of Pembina, ND. She grew up in a large, happy family, being the eighth of ten children. Louise often shared fond memories of her childhood in northeastern North Dakota – riding her bike into Canada, Minnesota, and back home all in an afternoon. Louise was independent at a young age and one of her favorite activities was riding the Northern Pacific into Grand Forks to see a movie. Louise graduated from Pembina High School in 1942 and the following year married William H. Hess of Hamilton, ND.

In 1946, Bill and Louise moved to Havre, MT where they raised their six children. She was very active in St. Jude’s Parish. Louise enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, and rearing the children; she also liked reading, listening to music, dancing, and playing bridge. Louise was an outstanding bridge player and taught her children and grandchildren to enjoy the game.

After her children were grown, Louise spent several years living in Seattle, WA then moved back to Montana in 1989. She owned a condo in Billings and enjoyed her years there, spending time with many dear friends. She valued her independence and was very happy in her home, living on her own until shortly before her death. Louise was a member of St. Pius X Church while living in Billings.

She lived her last few months at Rosetta Assisted Care Center in Helena, cared for by their loving staff.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and several brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her sons Paul (Kathy) Hess of Bellingham, WA and Bill (Darbie) Hess of Helena, MT; daughters Patricia (Bill) Ross of Helena, MT; Barbara (Chris) Roan of St. Ignatius, MT; Jeanne (Lynn) Taylor of Ogden, UT; and Mary Rae of Portland, OR, along with eighteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers David Geddes of Seattle, WA and Jack Geddes of Kellogg, ID; sisters-in-law Shirley Geddes of Albuquerque, NM and Alice Bond of Payson, AZ; brother-in-law George Hess of Warren, MN; and several nieces and nephews.

Louise greatly loved and enjoyed her grandchildren. Her most treasured possession was a gift from granddaughter Susie – a Rosary brought back from the Vatican in Rome.

A memorial and celebration of Louise’s life will be held at a later date. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Edith, please visit below