Carlene Hess

Our beloved wife, mother and grandmother Carlene Bess Hess (Falkenburg) passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 14, 2012 from an autoimmune lung condition. She was surrounded by her family who are grateful that she went to our father in heaven quickly.

Carlene Bess was born on March 17, 1935 to Carl and Helen Falkenburg in Casper, Wyoming. She was the only child and was a joy to her parents. Her young life was very humble, as she grew up with dirt floors, no running water, and no electricity on a ranch. At age five, her parents moved to Caldwell, Idaho where she continued her young life on a farm. Carlene loved the farm animals and considered them her friends.

On July 2, 1954, Carlene married the love of her life, Bill Hess. They attended school together at the College of Idaho for one year; then three years later graduated from Brigham Young University together. After an additional four years, they again graduated together when Bill received his Ph.D. and Carlene received her Masters degree. They then moved to Provo, Utah where Bill was a faculty member at Brigham Young University for 46 years. Bill and Carlene spent 58 wonderful years of marriage together. Bill was her best friend, confidant, and biggest fan. In later years, Bill cared for Carlene when her illness became debilitating.

Professionally, Carlene enjoyed teaching high school and middle school for ten years. Carlene was an incredibly talented tailor and worked for Osmond Studios in the wardrobe department. She later started her own business where she created amazing prom and wedding dresses for many young women in the Provo area. She could custom fit clothing to any shape or size.

Carlene loved the outdoors, traveling and hiking. She and her husband Bill had the opportunity to visit many countries. When Bill and Carlene's children were young they took many camping trips with their dog Fritz and the grandparents. In later years her travels included many trips with her extended family including the grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick Carl and Helen Bicart Falkenburg. Survivors include her husband Wilford Moser Hess (Bill), son Carl Zane Hess (wife Lisa) of Simi Valley, California and daughter Carla Fugit (husband Shawn) of Draper, Utah. Alex Zane and Arianna B. Hess are her treasured grandchildren. We express a special thanks to Cynthia Adkins who provided care for Carlene and the family for the last several months.

Carlene will be greatly missed for her witty sense of humor, candor, and keen insight. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. We are so grateful we had a long and fulfilling life with Carlene. May she watch over us and be in a beautiful place in the next life. She will be greatly missed and we will always remember her and keep her in our hearts and memories. Carlene was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 20, 2012 at the Pleasant View 4th Ward Chapel, 2900 North 650 East, Provo, Utah. Friends may call at the church Friday evening from 6 until 8 and Saturday from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family from her obituary at www.bergmortuary.com.