Sharon Kay Hess, 85, of Edwardsburg, formerly of Elkhart passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at her home.

She was born on December 25, 1937, in Elkhart to the late Clarence and Selma (Kobernik) Zimmerman.  She was also preceded in death by her sister, Kathleen (Zimmerman) Ruple and a niece, Carole (Ruple) Melser

On September 17, 1966, she married Stanley I. Hess in Elkhart.  He survives along with a niece, Sue (Ruple) Hostetler of Shipshewana and a nephew, Steve Ruple of Edwardsburg.

Sharon and Stan are so blessed and filled with gratitude for the love and support of her special care givers, Jeri Lynn, Nancy and Carrie.

Sharon graduated from Elkhart High School as well as the Ravenswood Hospital School of Nursing where she received her Bachelor of Nursing degree.  She was also a member of the Beta Eta Chapter of the Delta Theta Tau sorority.  Sharon worked for many years as a nurse at The Elkhart Clinic.

After her retirement, she spent her days raising their many beloved pets, which included nine horses (April, Silverheels, Sunshine, Summer, Maggie, Ike, Stash, Prince and Paragon), and eight dogs (Lorrie, Casey 1, Duke, Doc, Annie, Katie, Casey 2 and Tug).  She also enjoyed their beautiful Silver Bell Farm and the sunrises and sunsets on Eagle Lake.

For many years, Sharon and Stan showed their Shire horses in area competitions.  Prince and Paragon became celebrities at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Draft horse barn where they pulled the 4-H Fair Queen contestants in the annual parade.

Sharon was a wonderfully kind person with a huge heart who made those around her feel special.

A joint Celebration of Life service for Sharon and Stanley will be held on Friday, June 16, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home.  Visitation will be held from noon until the hour of the service at 2:00 pm.  Mr. Marvin Selge will officiate.

Memorial contributions in memory of Sharon may be made to Cass County Animal Shelter 323 M-62 Cassopolis, MI 49031.

Cass County Animal Shelter
323 M-62, Cassopolis MI 49031