Obituaries

Anita F. Hess, 93

February 26, 2025

Anita “Mema” Hess, Co-founder of Lancaster Laboratories

Anita F. Hess passed away peacefully at Brethren Village, just shy of her 94th birthday. She was the daughter of the late Eva Nolt Swords Gingrich and Willard Swords. Anita was married to her beloved husband, Earl Hess, for 50 years before he passed away in 2001.

She will be greatly missed by her son, Ken, married to Louise Hess of Ephrata, PA and daughter, Carol Hess, of Bethany Beach, DE. Her oldest daughter, Bonnie Hess, passed way in 2001. She will forever be “Mema” to her three granddaughters, Ashley Miller of Arlington, VA, Lauren French, married to Ryan French of Lorton, VA, and Chloe Hess of Ephrata, PA. She always had hugs for her three great grandchildren, Tenley Anita French, Harper Lynn French and Camden Allen French, all of Lorton, VA. She was preceded in death by her brother, Gene Swords, who was married to Barbara Swords.

Anita attended Elizabethtown College, majoring in Elementary Education. In 2017, she was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Elizabethtown College for her contributions to the Elizabethtown community. Anita was the co-founder with her husband of Lancaster Laboratories, where her duties ranged from bookkeeping to administrative work and everything in between. In a world full of charts and data, the staff affectionately gave her the title of Chief Emotional Officer. She was well known for her green lemonade and her birthday lunches for the employees. Anita was a member of the Conestoga Church of the Brethren, where she sang in the choir, directed the Cherub Choir and taught Sunday school to five years olds for over 50 years. She was also a founder of the Leola Nursery School held at the church and was a part of the board for over 40 years.

Anita was a founding member of Farm Women Society #24, which was disbanded after over 50 years of membership. She held many titles within the Farm Women, including president. Anita was a volunteer at Conestoga Valley High School in the social studies department for over five years where she provided administrative support to the teachers.

Anita was known for her kindness, giving heart and unbelievable strength. She loved nothing more than spending time with her family, riding the waves at the beach, and watching her Phillies. The staff at Brethren Village said, “They would do anything for their sweet Anita.” She was loved by all who met her.

The memorial service will be held at 2PM on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Brethren Village Chapel, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Family and friends will be received at the chapel from 1PM to 2PM. To leave the family an online condolence and to view the livestream event on March 8, please visit: SnyderFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Brethren Village Good Samaritan Fund.

Livestreaming Zoom Link
https://bv-org.zoom.us/j/88578770667?pwd=gUZb9FvAqFiqnGvbz9JCGKxK90pSu9.1

Meeting ID: 885 7877 0667
Passcode: 497782

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page

Condolences to the Family

April 14, 2025

Ken, Louise and Carol, I just came across this obit for your sweet mother! I have such fond memories of her and your dad during the time I worked for Lanc Labs. I am so sorry for your loss and hope that your memories will comfort you as you mourn. God bless you all.
Joan Groff

March 12, 2025

I enjoyed being a caregiver for Anita the past year, I loved taking her outside under the pavillion in the summer and just talking about her life. She always made jokes and smiled even near the end. I hope she is at peace and I give my deepest condolences to the family. She will be missed by many.
Liz

March 06, 2025

Our condolences to the Hess family. Anita was a very special person.
Mark and Lisa Allison

March 06, 2025

It is a great loss for us all who met and worked with her. thanks for sharing her with us all.
As a cousin to her husband, and part of the same church community. I remember her music abilities, always a joy to visit with her,also in her later years at Brethren Village. She was always an inspiring person.
Marg (Hess) Strom Ontdario, CA

March 06, 2025

Earl and Anita were brave and courageous entrepreneurs to start a business that has become a laboratory hallmark in the scientific community. I fondly remember them for their kindness, caring spirt, and of course, all the good food that Anita would prepare. I think of them often!
Valerie St. Clair (employee for 47 years going on 48!)

March 06, 2025

I remember Anita fondly from my many years at the lab. My thoughts and prayers with her family.

Kathy Fair

March 05, 2025

Earl and Anita were both brave and bold to become entrepreneurs to start a business, which has become a hallmark of laboratories in the scientific community. I fondly remember them for their kindness and a strong sense of caring for everyone. My condolences to the entire family.
Valerie St. Clair

March 05, 2025

I met Anita when I started working here in 1990 in the maint. dept. I had many interaction with her and her husband Earl Hess whom rode his motorcycle with me once. To say she was a giving person is only the tip of the iceberg. Always loved her and her family.
Lester Metzger

March 04, 2025

My condolences to the Hess family. I will always have great memories of Anita and Earl.
Patrick Weidinger

March 03, 2025

Many thanks to Anita and her family for their support of Conestoga Valley School District schools and students. Their dedication to our district and its foundation was greatly appreciated over the years. Conestoga Valley lost a great friend with Anita’s passing. Deepest sympathies to her family and friends, Gerry Huesken (retired CVSD Superintendent)

March 03, 2025

I worked nightshift at the Lab mid 80s with about 4 others. We worked a Thanksgiving and she brought us all a complete dinner she made around midnight. I’ll always remember her extreme kindness. She and Mr. Hess were exceptional people.
Stu Barnhart

March 02, 2025

Dear Carol and Ken, I will also remember Anita for her sense of humor. It was an honor to know her. My sympathies. Beth Dahmus

Visitation: Saturday, March 08, 2025; 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM; Brethren Village Chapel; 3001 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Saturday, March 08, 2025; 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM; Brethren Village Chapel; 3001 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >