Ronald D. Hess

HESS, HENDERSON, HILBERT, LAMPHIER, SMITH, WOODS

Posted By: Cindy (email)
Date: 11/26/2016 at 23:58:36

INDEPENDENCE – Ronald D. Hess, age 75 of Independence went home with his God on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 due to complications of Parkinson's disease.

Ron was born on Dec. 31, 1940 to Marie Elizabeth (Woods) and Robert Hess in Crete, Neb. They moved to Mount Vernon when he was 5 years old. After graduating from Mt. Vernon High School, He attended the University of Iowa and graduated in 1966 with his degree in Pharmacy.

Following graduation Ron worked in various pharmacies including Paramount Pharmacy in Cedar Rapids, Hartig Drug in Oelwein, and McGrane Drug in Independence. In 1972, he purchased the pharmacy and changed the name to Hess Pharmacy. He closed the store in 1991 and worked for Kimball Avenue Drug/Falls Avenue Drug in Waterloo until his retirement in 2008.

Ron was a proud and active member of Independence. Throughout the years, Ron was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Independence Area Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Ambassadors, Lion's Club, Jaycee's, Wapsipinicon Golf Club, and President of Independence Band Boosters. He was also involved in the local auto dirt track racing for many years. And, the one thing that brought him the biggest smiles were the Iowa Hawkeyes of which he held season tickets for 29 years.

Survivors include his wife Judy; a son, Steve (Leslie) Hess, and their children Jay and Justin; a daughter, Ronda Hilbert-Lamphier (Todd), and their children Cory (Lyda) and Matt Hilbert, Adrianna, Kaleb, Kennedy, and Addison Lamphier. Also surviving is his sister Janet (Tom) Smith of Urbandale; and brother-in-law David (Wilma) Henderson of Central City along with several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church in Independence where a Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday. Hawkeye attire is encouraged to celebrate his love for U of I. The Reiff Funeral Home is in charge of services.

Independence Bulletin Journal 2016
Reiff Funeral Home