Helen Florence Jess, age 92, of Troy, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, October 18, 2012 at Koester Pavilion, Troy.

She was born on November 15, 1919 in Mercer County, Ohio, to the late John Franklin and Eliza (Florence) Meyer.

Due to the death of her parents, she was raised from the age of 12 years old by her sister and brother-in-law, Beatrice and Jule Beckstedt of Piqua, Ohio. Her husband, William E. Jess, preceded her in death on May 13, 1990.

She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law: William L. and Janet Jess of Piqua, Ohio, and John R. and Lou Ann Jess of Troy; two daughters and sons-in-law, Ruth Ann and Douglas Taynor of Tipp City, Ohio, and Mary E. and Robert Landis of Troy; ten grandchildren: Alan (Sandy) Jess, Timothy (Peggy) Jess, Dawn Jess (Mark) Spoltman, Cris (Cheryl) Williams, Mike Jess, Jane Jess Tackett, Matt (Stacy) Landis, Jason Landis, Beth Taynor Dunivan, and Julie Taynor (Galen) Harris all local; and fourteen great-grandchildren: Alex, Bradley and Morgan Jess, Hunter and Hayden Williams, Eric, Patrick, Jarrett and Libby Spoltman, Kacie and Colin Tackett, Lauren Landis, and Tyler and Leah Dunivan. Helen was a second mother to Mimi Braun (Tom) Reinshell of Troy.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Mrs. Jess was preceded in death by eleven brothers and sisters: Frank, William, John, George and Lester Meyer, Sylvia Felver, Olive Hines, Beatrice Beckstedt, and Mary, Sarah and Carrie Meyer.

She was a graduate of Piqua High School, class of 1937. She was a member of the Farm Bureau and Sulpher Grove Senior Citizens.

Mrs. Jess was a lifetime homemaker and a loving mother and grandmother. She loved attending her grandkids' sporting events through the years.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with Pastor Evan Garber officiating. Interment will be in Miami Memorial Park, Covington, Ohio.