Gary Hess

Gary Steven Hess of Grants Pass, Oregon, passed away on November 13, 2025 at Countryside Village the Lodge. Gary made Grants Pass his home in 1963 after moving from Mapleton, Oregon and called Southern Oregon home for more than sixty years.

He attended Southern Oregon College, where he earned his BS and Master’s Degree in Education, beginning a lifelong career dedicated to teaching. Gary served the Grants Pass School District for over 35 years, most of them at Redwood Elementary, where generations of students remember his kindness, patience, and passion for learning.

Gary married the love of his life, L. Diane (Putman) Hess, on March 16, 1966, in Eagle Point, Oregon. Gary treasured his family above all else. He is survived by his children, Krista DeBolt of Grants Pass and Ryan Hess of Grants Pass; his brothers James Hess of Eugene and Mark Hess of Roseburg; and his granddaughters Rashelle Burrell, Kendra Walker, and Kailie DeBolt. He was preceded in death by his wife Diane and his brother Duane Hess.

A man of faith and generosity, Gary was a longtime member of First Baptist Church and was known for quietly and consistently supporting many local causes each year. He loved spending time with his golf buddies at Applegate Golf Course, cheering on the Oregon Ducks football team, running-including multiple marathons—and most of all, being a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

A memorial service will be held on December 22nd from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Roseburg Christian Fellowship, 1376 Walnut Street, Roseburg, Oregon. A catered dinner will be provided. Family and friends are invited to come celebrate Gary’s life.

Private interment at Hawthorne Memorial Gardens.

Donations may be made to the Redwood Foundation for Education, honoring Gary and Diane's lifelong commitment to supporting students and schools.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to support the Hess Memorial Education Scholarship. Checks may be sent to: the Redwood Foundation for Education, P.O. Box 1598, Grants Pass, OR 97528 (in the memo line please put: Hess Memorial Education Scholarship) or donate directly online at: Hess Memorial Education Scholarship

Please share a memory of Gary in his guestbook.