Obituary for Joseph “Joe” Hess

Joseph Hess, age 64, of Prescott Valley, Arizona, passed away on November 27, 2025, after a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by the love of his devoted family.

Joe was born in Columbia, Pennsylvania, and carried with him throughout life the values of hard work, kindness, and quiet strength. A skilled plumber by trade and a dedicated stay-at-home father by calling, Joe poured his heart into caring for his family. His greatest joy came from spending time with those he loved—fishing, riding motorcycles, exploring the outdoors, and simply being present for the people who meant everything to him.

Joe lived his life grounded in his Christian faith, offering compassion, generosity, and a steady presence to all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rita Hess; his children, Melissa Ann Legg (Jason Legg), Colby James Hess (Jennie Morgans), and Jolene Hess; and his cherished grandchildren, Henry Legg, Eloise Legg, and Graham Hess. He is also survived by his siblings, Blane Hess, Beth Hess, Jessie Wilkie (Curt Wilke), and Jenny Gochenaur (Steve Gochenaur).

Joe is preceded in death by his brother Thomas Hess, and his parents, Jean and Thomas Hess. Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Joe’s life at ABC Funeral Home. Details of services will be shared with loved ones.

Joe will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, loyal brother, and a man whose quiet acts of service touched many lives. His legacy is one of patience, humility, humor, and unwavering love.

Personal Tribute

Joe King (Hess)

This is the story of a man named Joe. To many, he might have appeared to be a regular man, but to those who truly knew him, he was a king. Joe’s reign was not of castles or crowns, but of caring for his wife, his three children, and an impressive number of fish—and at one point, even a flock of chickens. His story began on a Pennsylvania farm, where he first learned responsibility, patience, and hard work..A plumber by trade, Joe’s life changed after a serious accident made it impossible for him to continue his work. During his recovery, his wife stepped forward and carried the family through, and in that season Joe became the King of their home—not in title, but in heart he dedicated himself to raising their children, supporting them in school, sports, and life. He delivered forgotten lunches, taught motorcycle riding, fixed plumbing problems big and small, coached softball, and offered an endless supply of dad jokes. Most of all, he was a steady presence—someone to lean on when life became heavy, someone who listened when they needed a voice of reason, and someone who loved without condition. This is the story of a man named Joe, a man who became—and always was—the most loved king to ever live. ~ Jolene Hess

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Joseph is Your beloved child. He has walked in faith, and now he walks toward You. Grant him a peaceful passing—free from fear, wrapped in Your love. Let Your angels surround him, let Your saints welcome him, and let Your grace carry him safely into eternal life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen