Elizabeth "Lizzie" Hess

Elizabeth A. “Lizzie” Hess (affectionately known as Wonder Woman), age 65, of White Pigeon, Michigan (formerly of Middlebury, IN) passed away on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family and two fur babies: Axel and Sarge. Lizzie was born on January 14, 1956 to Frank and Beatrice Jennings in Elkhart. She married Rick Hess on December 3, 1983 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Elkhart.

Lizzie graduated from Jimtown High School. She furthered her career as a Registered Nurse, graduating from Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1981. She continued her education at St Francis University, were she received her Bachelors of Arts degree, in 1995.  Lizzie began her Nursing career at Elkhart General Hospital, where she made her bones – in the Intensive Care and Coronary Care units. It was also there that she met the love of her life and husband, Rick. Lizzie migrated to Saint Joseph’s Medical Center in So Bend, where she refined her art and was an anchor in the development of the Open-Heart Recovery Unit. Eventually – she returned to Elkhart General and brought those same skills to bear with the evolutionary development of the Heart Program there as well. Liz’s life of service within the local medical/nursing community truly reflected a level of compassion, professional excellence and dedication that was a pure exemplification of her core values and caring spirit. She was a longtime employee of Elkhart General Hospital, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and Hess, Karfomenos & Associates, Inc., during the span of her career before her retirement in 2020.

Lizzie was a long time holder of clinical board certifications in Critical Care and Medical Case Management.  She was an engaged member of the Clay Artist Guild of Goshen, Michiana Gardeners Association (where she was a Master Gardener) as well as being a supporter of the Scottish Rite Dyslexic Learning Center in So Bend. As a well-known local artist, her paintings, jewelry and pottery have always represented additionally, her creative and spiritual being. She could be found at many local and regional festivals, art galleries and events – sharing her love of the manual arts. 

Lizzie is survived by her husband, Rick Hess Jr; children, Jason (Rachel) Campbell of Elkhart, Shawn Hess of Ft. Walton Beach, Megan R. Davis Santa Rose Beach, FL and Andrew (Angie) Cassis of Floyds Knobs, IN; who blessed Lizzie with 9 loved grandchildren.  Her brothers, Charles (Susan) Jennings of Indianapolis, William (Anne) Jennings of Arizona and Michael ( Debbie) Jennings of Mishawaka. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank & Dorothy Jennings and Beatrice & George Antrim, in addition to her daughter, Jill A. Campbell.

A family memorial service will be held at 10 am Saturday May 1, 2021 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 where family may visit 1 hour prior. Due to the COVID -19 pandemic we will be observing face mask and social distancing protocols.

This will be followed by a true CELBRATION OF LIFE at Antonio’s Restaurant, 1105 Goshen Ave, Elkhart, IN  from 12P-4P; where friends, family, peers and admirers – are welcomed to gather break bread, raise glasses, share stories, shed a few tears and salute the life and journeys of Wonder Woman (Ms Lizzie)

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Dyslexic Center of South Bend, B.E.A.R. Reading Center, where Lizzie was an avid supporter, 427 North Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601 and the SPA Women’s Ministry Homes, 3404 Toledo Road, Elkhart, IN 46516 – in memory of.

Online condolences for Lizzie may be made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.