Ronald "Ron" Roma Hess

Ronald Roma Hess, age 86, of Wolcottville, Indiana, passed away on July 16, 2026, at Orchard Pointe Health Campus in Kendallville, Indiana.

Ron was born on December 1, 1939, in Auburn, Indiana, to the late Roma and Murriel (Saunders) Hess. He spent his early years in Auburn before attending Ball State University, where he met the love of his life, Judith Kay (Craig) Hess. Judith preceded him in death on June 28, 2022. The couple was united in marriage on September 16, 1961, in Muncie, Indiana, and shared more than 60 years together.

Ron and Judy were blessed with two children, Kathy (Bobby) Krock and James (Abby) Hess. In 1966, they moved to Witmer Lake, where they made their home in Wolcottville for most of their lives. 

A dedicated and hardworking man, Ron was employed as a Cost Accountant at Flint & Walling and also worked for Kroger. Throughout much of his life, he held two jobs at a time to provide for his family. Later, he worked in Accounts Payable at LaGrange Hospital while also serving in the Produce Department at Walmart. Even after retiring from the hospital, Ron continued working at Walmart until the age of 75. 

Ron’s greatest joy in life was his family. He especially cherished his grandchildren, Heather (Brandon) Heal, Ryne (Claudia) Krock, and Craig Hess, as well as his great-grandchildren, Caroline, Rowan, and Annie Heal. He faithfully followed their activities and accomplishments and was always eager to tell others how proud he was of them. They brought immeasurable joy to his life. 

One of his favorite memories was watching Caroline and Annie perform with the Sparkle and Shine Dance Teams at the nursing home on his last birthday, a moment he absolutely loved. Ron would do anything for anyone, but especially for the family he loved so deeply. 

The evening before his passing, Ron recited his nightly prayer list. Many of those reading this were likely included. The list seemed endless, a true testament to his caring heart and concern for others. It perfectly reflected the kind of man Ron was.

Ron never knew a stranger. He was one of the kindest people anyone could meet and never spoke ill of others. His dry wit and sense of humor kept family and friends laughing throughout his life and right up until the very end.

 A devoted man of faith, Ron was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church. The day before his passing, he requested the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. In his final days, he understood that his earthly journey was nearing its end and peacefully shared with his family that he would soon be leaving them. He was only a few hours off. His faith remained strong throughout his life, and even recently, he had the privilege of helping lead his roommate at Orchard Pointe to the Catholic faith. 

Everyone who knew Ron described him as sweet, caring, compassionate, and genuinely kind. His legacy of faith, humility, generosity, and love will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know him. 

Ron was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judith Kay Hess; his parents, Murriel and Roma Hess; and his brothers, Larry Hess and Denny (Karen) Hess. 

He is survived by his children, Kathy (Bobby) Krock and James (Abby) Hess; his grandchildren, Heather (Brandon) Heal, Ryne (Claudia) Krock, and Craig Hess; his great-grandchildren, Caroline, Rowan, and Annie Heal; his sister, Marilyn (Robert) Delagrange; his sister-in-law, Karen Hess, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 7633 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, IN. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 11:00am at St. Gaspar del Bufalo Catholic Church, 10871 IN-9, Rome City, IN 46784.

Burial will take place following the Mass at Woodland Cemetery in Wolcottville, IN.

Memorial donations may be directed to Sparkle and Shine Dance Studio.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to his son and grandson’s funeral home, Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, IN.