Patricia Ann "Patty" Hess

Patricia Ann “Patty” Hess, 78, formerly of Kewanee, transitioned to her heavenly home on Monday, July 19, 2021 at UnityPoint Health - Proctor in Peoria, IL after several unexpected health challenges.

Patricia was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, church, and community as evidenced by her life of service to others.  

Born on October 30, 1943 in Kewanee, IL to loving Christian parents (John Howell, a business owner and Susie Seigh Hess, homemaker), she was immersed in the Christian life and community from an early age that proved to be her life foundation and source of support.

A life-long native of Kewanee, Patricia attended Kewanee public schools. She graduated from Kewanee High School where she was active in Future Nurses of America, Future Homemakers of America, and The Kewanite yearbook business staff, and an office aid for the school.  Upon graduation, Patricia began her professional life as Librarian at Kewanee Public Library where she developed a love for books that she would share with her family. Patricia worked in her father’s family business (a Shell Gas Station franchise) taking care of primary business matters. An opportunity to work as an Executive Assistant to a Senior Vice-President at Hyster Corporation arose where Patricia worked for several years before taking an early retirement to care for her younger sister and niece due to her sister’s terminal health.

As an expression of her faith, Patricia’s Christian gift of “Christ-like care-giving” came to serve many over the course of her life. She answered the call to care for others selfishly with joy. She lived a life of service and faith to others as evidenced by her commitment to care for her family during critical times of need: her mother, her aunt Goldie Taylor, her sisters, other family members and many others in the church and community. Patricia, “Aunt Patty” shared her gift of love with many.

Patricia was a life-long member of Bethel Church of God in Christ in Kewanee, Illinois, where she was known as Missionary Hess and served as Church Secretary for several years. She served as the District Elect Chairlady of the Greater Central District under Evangelist Otha Boyd, many years ago. A lover of the Bible, she was a gifted teacher, loved to sing Christian hymns, “He’ll Fight my Battle, for me, was one of her favorites, and often invited others into the space of prayer.

One of her favorite scriptures was Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding and in all your ways acknowledge him and He will direct your paths.” Known for her kindness, Patricia often encouraged others to trust the Lord in the midst of life’s challenges.  In 2015, Patricia moved to Peoria, Illinois to be closer to family and continued to share her gift of “care” with her extended family.

Personally, Patricia loved laughter, Dairy Queen, the Bible, and singing. She provided love and support for parents, sisters, nieces, and extended family thru impromptu phone calls, birthday cards, singing her own rendition of “Happy Birthday,” and words of encouragement. Patricia was an encourager at heart, kind and soft-spoken, and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small. She is dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her Creator.

She leaves to cherish her sister Barbara J. Taylor, two nephews; Mark A. Taylor and Jon C. Taylor of Cincinnati, Ohio; three nieces: Michelle (Fred) Watson of Peoria, Il.; Susan (Michael)Wilson of Louisville, Ky; Joanne Christian of Cincinnati, Ohio; LD Hernandez of Virginia, special niece, Joyce Watson of Peoria, Il.; nine great-nephews, three great-nieces, and a special friend, Priscilla Langnis of Kewanee, Il., along with a host of beloved family and friends.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 31 at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee, IL Visitation will begin one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Pastor F. Michael Watson will officiate and give words of comfort.

The family gratefully appreciates flowers and donations, but prayers, condolences and memories are gladly accepted at https://www.ruxfuneralhome.com/obituary/Patricia-Hess.

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