Wanda Rose (Kane) Hess

Wanda Rose Hess, age 81, of Elkhart passed away on July 15, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family. Wanda was born on August 8, 1940 in New Haven, CT to Francis William and Marion Kane. She married Richard H. Hess in 1956 in Elkhart, he preceded her in death on February 20, 2007.

Wanda went to Elkhart High School and took some accounting classes at Ivy Tech Community College.  In her youth she worked in the restaurant industry while raising her children and later owned several restaurants, she owned Grandma’s Cupboard in Elkhart, and American Heritage Restaurant in Mishawaka. Afterwards, she drove bus for Elkhart Community School and she was a record keeper at Crowe Chizek. She attended New Life Apostolic Church in Kendallville, IN. and New Hope United Methodist Church in Elkhart. She was a member of Michiana Emmaus Community and the Osceola American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, where she served as president in 1970.  She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, cooking, gardening and traveling. Most importantly she loved to serve the Lord, she was a wonderful wife, mom, sister, grandmother, nana and great-grandma.

Wanda is survived by her children Debra D. (Steve) Blacklaw of Bristol, IN., Micky A. Hess of Bristol, IN., Michel L. (Bradley) Gilliland of Wolcottville, IN., and Patrick W. (Sierra) Hess of Ft. Wayne, IN; 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; her sister, Joan B. Kelley, brother Francis W. Jr. (Aileen) Kane of Texas, and William F. (Pam) Kane of Connecticut. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Marion Kane, husband Richard H. Hess, daughter Teresa Lynn Hess, her brother-in-law Lloyd, sister Marion and Bob Inscore.

Visitation will be from 4-8pm on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 and Thursday, July 21, 2022 from 10-11am at the funeral home where the funeral will be at 11am. Rev. Austin Gilliland and Rev. Char Allen will officiate. Wanda will be laid to rest at Rice Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Cancer Resources for Elkhart County, 23971 US 33, Elkhart, IN 46517 www.elkhartcancer.org Susan G. Komen Race for the cure www.komen.org or American Lung Association www.lung.org Online condolences may be made to the Hess family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com