Donalee Margaret Hess, age 96, of Bryan, passed away on Friday, September 23, 2022, at Hillside Country Living near Bryan.
Donalee was born on December 18, 1925, in Pioneer, Ohio, the daughter of Menno S. and Pearl (Burt) Oyer.
She met James Rogers Hess while attending the Fort Wayne International Business College and they married on October 21, 1944 in Toledo, Ohio. He preceded her in death.
Donalee was the ultimate homemaker. She took her love of sewing and knitting to a level unattained by most, sewing not only her own wardrobe but also her childrens’ clothes and many gifts for grandchildren.
Her passion for flowers lead to a love of gardening, with her gardens providing backdrops for local photographers.
Donalee was an avid golfer with 2 holes-in-one. She enjoyed walking for fitness before it was popular and kept at it into her nineties.
After retirement, Donalee and Jim spent many happy years in Sarasota, Florida. They were enthusiastic beach walkers and shell collectors. They also enjoyed traveling all over the world.
Donalee was a long time member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Bryan and Trinity United Methodist Church in Sarasota, Florida.
Donalee is survived by her daughters, Joy Hambleton, of Mesa, Arizona, Cindy (Eldon) Patten, of Saint Ignace, Michigan and Brenda (Tom) Hofbauer, of Bryan, Ohio; daughter-in-law Eileen (Roger) Duhs of Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia; eight grandchildren, Chris (Carolyn) Hambleton, of Thornton, Colorado, Mike (Marisa) Hambleton, of Tempe, Arizona, Steve (Gena) Hambleton, of Chaska, Minnesota, Donnalee (Marc) Harris, of Sydney, Australia, Chad (Carlynn) Patten, of Harrisonburg, Virginia, Melissa Patten, of Big Rapids, Michigan, Nick (Jill) Hofbauer, of Granville, Ohio and Alex (Cindy) Hofbauer, of Columbus, Ohio; ten great grandchildren, 3 step great grandchildren and a sister, Joan Huff, of Medina, Ohio.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sons, Roger Hess and Keith Hess; sister, Phyllis Oyer and brother, Dorman Oyer.
Visitation will be at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, October 15, 2022 at the Chapel of Wesley United Methodist Church, 905 Center Street, Bryan, Ohio. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 P.M. with Pastor Steve Rath officiating.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Krill Funeral Service, 860 West Mulberry Street, Bryan.
Memorials are requested to Trinity United Methodist Church, Sarasota, Florida, Wesley United Methodist Church, Bryan, Ohio and Crop Hunger Walk.
To sign the online register or to send condolences, please visit www.krillfuneralservice.com.