Doris Hess

Doris Hess was a remarkable woman in the hearts of many. She leaves behind memories to be cherished and a lifetime of love. Although sadly missed, she will be dearly and forever remembered.

By the beginning of 1926, the mid west city of Kankakee, Illinois found many who had their fill of the brisk, harsh winter and were looking forward to the warmer months ahead. Even still, it was an exciting time in the nation. The heyday of the Roaring 20s, the sounds of big bands and jazz overflowed while prohibition initiated an influx of bootleggers and big city mobsters alike. A time of plenty, major U.S. manufacturers were implementing the first ever, eight hour, five day work week, and factory towns like Kankakee were flourishing. It was an exciting time in the hearts and home of James Oliver and Eleanor (Shaver) Zelhart when on February 5 of that cold winter in 1926, they lovingly welcomed the birth of their daughter, Doris Joan.

Born into a large, loving family, she was raised on their family farm, growing up alongside her three brothers, James Jr., Calvin and Warren as well as her two sisters, Mildred and Marguarite. Doris' childhood on the farm offered many adventures and nurtured her lifelong love for gardening. Although she was considered the quiet sister, Doris fostered many friendships in school. During high school she shared wonderful memories with those who were her most cherished friends.

In time Doris began dating a handsome young man named Vernon Francis Hess who captured her heart. The feeling was quite mutual, and they soon found themselves deeply in love. She and Vernon were happily married on November 1, 1947 at her home church, St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Kankakee before a congregation of family and close friends. Before long they welcomed two beautiful daughters into their lives with the births of Janet and Brenda. Doris loved being a mother and through her sewing skills, she made beautiful dresses for them and great wardrobes for their dolls, as well. She loved doing the girls' hair and spent hours curling it. Doris made a wonderful home for her family and absolutely loved caring for the family she was blessed to have and loved so deeply.

Doris worked at Sears for over 20 years all while maintaining a smooth running household. Besides her family and church, she filled her time enjoying some of her favorite hobbies. She had quite a talent for needlepoint, and especially enjoyed cross-stitch. She and her husband loved making crafts together, and the various dolls she made warmed the hearts of many over the years. Gardening brought great contentment and peace to Doris, along with numerous hours of pleasure. Most importantly, Doris simply loved spending time with her family. As long as she could enjoy their company, she was the happiest. She also loved the times she and her siblings got together which always proved to be a fun and loud time!

When grandchildren came along, Doris was in her glory! She spent as much time with them as she could and always made herself available to watch them. She loved all six of them dearly, and enjoyed baking goodies to have on hand for when they came over. She also cross-stitched Christmas stockings for each of her ten great-grandchildren, too! When Doris lost her beloved husband Vernon in death after 59 wonderful years of marriage together, the love of family was what saw her through this trying time. The love of family and spending time in their company was what mattered most to Doris Hess. A loving, attentive and talented woman, she filled the lives of others with unending love and cherished times which will be remembered most.

Doris Joan Hess, at the age of 85, passed away at home on Sunday, May 15, 2011. She is survived by her daughters: Janet (Jeff) Souligne of Kankakee and Brenda (Les) Horrell of Arizona; her brother, Warren (Mildred) Zelhart of Danforth; sister-in-laws: Barbara Zelhart of Momence, Frances (Bill) Guertin of Kankakee, Betty Boness of Wisconsin and Norma Montgomery of Nevada; brother-in-laws: Joseph (Betty) Hess and Melvin Hess, both of Kankakee; grandchildren: Marc (Shelley) Horrell, Matt (Jen) Horrell and Seth (Tracy) Horrell, all of Arizona, Kyle (Kim) Souligne of Texas, Brianne Souligne and Maggie Souligne, both also of Kankakee; great-grandchildren: Tatum, Savannah, Lainey, Sara, Wesley, Madeline, Grayson, Macallister, Benjamin and Hannah; several nieces and nephews. Doris was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters: Mildred (Francis) Courtney and Marguarite (Bernard) Courtney; brothers: James Jr. (Ruby) Zelhart and Calvin Zelhart; sister-in-laws: Marie Hess, Irene (Marvin) Hayhurst and Vivian (William) Odette; brother-in-laws: Fran Boness, Harry Montgomery, William (Leilith) Hess and Raymond (Dorothy) Hess.

Funeral services for Doris will be held Friday, May 20, 2011, 11:00 AM at the Kankakee Chapel of the Schreffler Lifestory Funeral Home with Rev. H. Christopher Sheets officiating. A time for family and friends to gather will take place Friday from 9:00 AM until the 11:00 AM service. Burial at Kankakee Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Kankakee Valley. To view her Life Story video tribute, download a favorite photo or to leave a special memory, please visit lifestorynet.com.