Marilyn J. HESS, 77, of Knoxville, PA, died Thursday, August 7, 2026 in her home. 

Born April 5, 1948, in Coudersport, she was the daughter of Walter R. and Helen Virginia Lewis Hess. On August 16, 2008, in Moore Hollow, Hector Township, she married Thomas R. Hunter, who predeceased her on June 29, 2014. A 1966 graduate of Northern Potter High School, she owned and operated the Long Horn Restaurant in Westfield for seven years and Hess Floral Design in Westfield for eight years. She was employed as a truant officer at Cowanesque Valley Schools for nine years. Marilyn approached every task with focus and determination. She possessed a natural creativity and eye for beauty. 

Surviving are: two children, Debora McCullen of Potter Brook and Barett VanSchaick of Lawrenceville; four grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; two sisters, Eva (David) Buckley of Ulysses and Linda Eick of Osceola; a brother, James (Kim) Abbey of Tunnelton, WV; nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a son, Mark R. Fay; and a brother, Randy Abbey. Her friend and companion, Lloyd E. Abbey, died on August 3, 2026. 

A graveside service will be held 3:00 PM, Wednesday, August 19, 2026 in Riverview Cemetery, Potter Brook, PA. Rev. Timothy H. Miller will officiate. 

Memorials may be made to any animal care sanctuary or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.