MADALENE BURKS HESS, 76 years of age of Abingdon, VA, formerly of Grundy, passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2013 in Sarasota, FL. Born in Roseann, VA, on November 9, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Willie and Olivia Blankenship Burks. She attended Bluefield Business College and worked as a secretary for several years as well as a dental assistant to her husband, Dr. L.L. Hess. She was a longtime member of Grundy Baptist Church and attended Highlands Fellowship in Abingdon, VA.

She was also a member of several clubs including: Red Hat club, Junior Women’s club of Virginia, Ladies Canasta club. She was an avid gospel music fan, enjoyed cooking (and was well known for her chicken and dumplings, chocolate gravy and banana pudding) and attending UK basketball games and most of all her spending time with her family.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by 2-Brothers: Ray Burks and Robert Burks; and a very special Aunt: Lottie Ratliff.

She is survived by her husband, Lowell Lee Hess, Abingdon, VA, 4-Children: Tenesia Hess Daugherty, Lexington, KY, Jeffrey L. Hess and wife Nancy Yates Hess, Abingdon, VA, Michele Hess Kennedy and husband Tim Kennedy, Irmo, SC, Ashlee Hess Medley and husband Chad Medley, Chilhowie, VA

Also, survived by 8-Grandchildren: Justin Daugherty, Nathan and Haylee Hess, Lucas and Lauren Kennedy, Hannah, Madison and Makenzie Medley; 1-Sister: June Burks Marler and husband Larry Marler; 1-Brother: Bill Burks, Jr.; Special Friends: Carol Shumaker, Titusville, FL, Mary Stiltner, Mary Matney, Jean Liston (cousin), Brenda Lester, Hurley, VA, Judy Lester and Carmella Matney.

Funeral Services for MADALENE BURKS HESS will be conducted Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Danny Hess and Rev. Hans Hess officiating with burial to follow in Mountain Valley Memorial Park, Big Rock, VA.  

Friends may call at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel Monday evening at 6:00 P.M. and services at 8:00 P.M. by Evg. Mike Rife.

Active Pallbearers will be Ronnie Burks, Danny Burks, Benny Burks, Ritchie Burks, Benjamin Burks, Reggie Burks, Travis Burks, Brad Burks, Robert Burks, Willie Burks, Larry Burks, Terry Hess, Eddie Jo Hess, Sam Hess, Chris Keen, Michael White, Greg Belcher, Greg (Bub) Belcher, Jr., Halver Belcher, Eric Belcher, Gary Keen and Terry White.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Bill Kilgore, Tom Scott, Don Shumaker, Regis Stiltner, Bobbie Lester, Lloyd Lester, Larry Marler, Junior Endicott, Pastor Donald Medley, Pastor Hobert Kennedy and Mel Keen.

The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be made in the form of donations to the Grundy Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 675, Grundy, VA 24614.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.grundyfuneralhome.com

Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy, Virginia is in charge of all arrangements.