Claire Justine (Hess) Smith passed peacefully on March 12, 2026, in Louisville, KY. Born May 26, 1932, in San Antonio to Leonard M. Hess and Mary A. Rodesney, she was the granddaughter of L.L. Hess and Margaret K. Hess of Marathon. The oldest of six children, her early life was spent on the Hess Ranch and the family home in Marathon.

A graduate of Incarnate Word High School in San Antonio, she received her B.A. in Economics from Fontbonne College, St. Louis, MO., in 1954. Married Paul R. Grabowski in 1956, and though she lived in several states throughout her life, Texas was always HOME and where her heart longed to return. She loved the wide landscapes, big open skies, wildflowers, and her beloved Leonard Mountain on her family’s ranch.

Gracious, independent, gregarious, and full of joy, she lived life on her own terms. Passions included painting and sketching; she exhibited her art nationally and internationally. She taught painting classes and was a published poet.

Claire was preceded in death by her parents, sister Ruth Hess Goss, brothers Mark and John Hess, and nieces Terry and Julie.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Jean Elizabeth Grabowski, Paul R. Grabowski II, Jon D. Grabowski, four grandchildren, and one greatgrandchild. Sister Margaret Hess (Larry) Rourke, brother Paul (Katherine) Hess, sister-in-law Jeanne Hess, cousin Joe (Celeste) Courand, longtime friend Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, OMI, and Nieces and nephews from TX to CT.

In Honor of Claire’s Life, please send contributions: In Memory of Claire Hess Smith, St. Mary Catholic Church, PO Box 268, Marathon, Texas 79842 See full obituary: https:// www.newcomerkentuckiana. com/obituaries/clairehess- smith