Helen Hess

Helen Betty Heileson Myers Hess, 79, of Layton, Utah, died Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at McKay-Dee Hospital, surrounded by her family. Helen was born July 31, 1938, in Rexburg, Idaho, at the Middleton Maternity Home, to Orson Howard Heileson and Josie Maxine Smith Heileson. She graduated from Idaho Falls High School and later from Ricks College. She graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Elementary Education. Her first job was teaching 3rd grade in her home town of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Her salary was $4,000 that first year and she thought she was rich. This began what was a lifetime as an educator. In all, she spent 35 years teaching children to read and write. She influenced the lives of many students, and enjoyed witnessing their success. She married John Edward Myers in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together they had a son, John Todd Myers, born July, 1962. Her husband died in a tragic accident working with the Union Pacific Railroad in December, 1962, leaving her to care for her infant son. In June, 1965, she married Raymond Eugene Hess from Declo, Idaho, a widower with three young sons. Soon after, their family grew, adding five more children. Helen loved her large family and enjoyed teaching, cooking and serving them. She lived in the Declo area for over 50 years and recently moved to Layton, Utah, to be near amily. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. She had a love of music, sang in the ward choir, and knew every primary song by heart. Her grandchildren loved to hear her sing and play the piano. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and co-workers. Her love of reading was evident in the many years she spent with her book club. Helen is survived by her nine children, son, Randall (Belinda) Hess of Turlock, CA, son, Robert L. (Linda) Hess of Twin Falls, ID, son, David E. (Tammie) Hess of Layton, UT, son, Todd (Nicki) Myers of Warren, UT, son, Jason (Karla) Hess of Shelley, ID, daughter, Camille R. (Ken) Jaynes of Layton, UT, son, Chad (Amanda) Hess of Bedford, IN, daughter, Rebecca A. (Nate) Roskelley of Sumatra, MT, daughter, Sarah L. (Dane) Gonzales of Boise, ID; 23 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, one sister, Colleen Wilson of Idaho Falls, ID; two brothers, Joe Dell (Bonnie) Heileson of Idaho Falls, ID, and Ray (Gwen) Heileson of Driggs, ID. She was preceded in death by her spouses, John Myers and Raymond Hess, and her parents, Howard and Maxine Heileson. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 26, 2018, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. prior to the services at Wood Funeral Home. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Funeral Services will be held