Obituary

Rager, JoEtta F. (Hess), 81, formerly of Jackson Township, died February 7, 2024, in Windber, PA, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Born in Johnstown on September 17, 1942, the daughter of Rev. Homer and Vesta (Blue) Hess. Preceded in death by parents; infant son, Todd Rager; and brothers James Hess, Fred Hess, and Donald Hess. Survived by loving husband of 62 years, Ralph C. Rager, Jr., of Ebensburg; son, Curtis Rager (married to Dona Karl) of Peoria, AZ; daughter, Kelly Corcoran (married to Richard Corcoran) of Ebensburg; brother, Rev. Cecil Hess of Sebring, FL; sisters, Carol Imler of Roaring Spring; Margery Starr of Normal, IL; Marilyn Doney of Conover, NC; grandsons Zachary Rager (fiancé of Megan Weakland) of Nanty Glo; Benjamin Rager (married to Corinne Claar) of Windber; Jacob Rager (married to Abigail Green) of Clymer; Nathan Bilonick of Johnstown; Tanner Bilonick of Johnstown; great-grandchildren Parker, Zoey, Zayne; Ethyn, Ryleigh, Cody, Tyler; Brantley, Isabella, Harrison, Everette; Jesse; and other loving family and friends. JoEtta was a lifelong member of Morrellville Church of the Brethren. Raised in Morrellville, JoEtta met Ralph while working at a local sub shop, and they were inseparable thereafter. JoEtta also worked at Bestform, helped operate Singer Hill Cabinets and Remodeling with Ralph, and retired from Jackson Elementary School as a cafeteria worker. JoEtta loved telling stories about growing up in a household with eight children, spending time with her family, reading, visiting casinos, shopping, and traveling with Ralph. The family would like to thank The Atrium, Windber Woods Senior Living, and AseraCare Hospice for the care they provided to JoEtta. There will be no viewing, and funeral services will be private. Burial, Benshoff Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in JoEtta’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Cambria County Backpack Project, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements in care of Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., “Exclusive Provider of Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com