Stella Elizabeth Hess was born in DuBois, Pa on August 3, 1912. Her parents names were George Ellis Hess and Lidie Onyx Chandler. She was raised in a Lutheran household in Atlantic City, Nj. Hess graduated from Atlantic City High School and matriculated to Dickinson College. While at Dickinson she was a member of the Phi Mu sorority and active in other college organizations. She graduated in 1934 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Upon graduation she became and accountant.