Suzanne Leonard Hess

Suzanne Leonard Hess is one of my paternal aunts, the wife of my father's brother Vince. Her disease damaged heart gave out on her Sunday, March 7, 2010 with her family at her side.

I'm so glad that I listened to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost that prompted me to stop by and talk with her and Vince during a trip to Utah in mid February, a few weeks before she died. When I showed up at their door unannounced, they graciously invited me into their home, where we enjoyed a pleasant conversation. She told me about her heart problems and some of the accompanying issues and challenges. Vince told me that when pressed for a prognosis, her doctor said that Sue could live 5 years or 5 weeks. Her heart didn't even make it 5 weeks.

I'm also glad I submitted a letter to be included in their 50th wedding anniversary book last year. Suzanne Leonard Hess, or Aunt Sue as I called her until old enough to be allowed the honor of just calling her "Sue" was and is one of the sweetest, nicest, most Christ-like people I have ever been blessed to associate with. I'm not alone in believing this, as attested by all the guest book comments included below and all the speakers at her funeral.

When I was in my early to mid teens, I was invited into her home on many occasions during summer months when Vince kindly allowed me to help him with his farming work. Vince helped nurture in me a work ethic that has been a great blessing to me all my life. He taught me to mow and bail hay (alfalfa). I was driving tractors from one field to another via Farmington city streets when I was 13 or 14. Although I watched a time or two as a team of men or strong older teens hauled heavy bales of hay out of the field, before the time I was big and strong enough to do that kind of intense work, Vince had invested in the first self-propelled balewagon in the area, which allowed him to easily do by himself what had taken 3-5 men to do with great effort.

I sometimes stayed over night and often shared meals in their home. To eat one of Sue's mid-day meals (to call it just "lunch" would be an insult) made all the hard work in the morning worth while and gave us the energy needed to perform all the hard work required during the afternoon. As I recall, these meals included lots of home grown vegetables (sweet corn on the cob, beets, chard, tomatoes, etc) and delicious homemade bread. As was mentioned at the funeral, anyone who had the blessing of enjoying Sue's homemade apricot jam or ice cream could attest that they had eaten one of the most delicious things they had ever tasted.

Sue and Vince raised seven sons. And not just any sons. My cousins Howard, Todd, Matthew, Christian, Craig, Nathan, and Brian are a living tribute to the honorable, integrity filled lives of their parents. With the exception of Todd (who died prematurely in 2008), all the sons participated in their mother's funeral service, attested to her saintliness, and bore strong testimony of the reality of life after death and a Christ-enabled resurrection which would make it possible for them to again see their beloved mother.

Attached are the obituary and funeral program, followed by the comments left by family and friends in online guest books associated with the mortuary or obituary. (click on each thumbnail image to view the full size image)






Dear Vince and Family,

Jeri and I are so sorry for the loss of your dear Suzanne. We have always enjoyed your kind and loving personalities and our family association with you. Suzanne will be missed by all who knew her and our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss for you and your family. May the Lord watch over and bless you and provide you with sustain and comfort you.

Kelly Criddle
Mar 10, 2010
Syracuse, UT


Sue is one of those quiet, valiant spirits who has positively influenced the lives of others through her example. Such relationships begin prior to earth and will continue beyond this life. We are blessed to have the knowledge of eternal relationships. Sue will be missed by all. Our love to your family.

Brian and Connie Gough
Mar 10, 2010
Kaysville, UT


Dear Vince and Family,

Bonnie and I were deeply saddened to learn of Sue's passing Sunday night. Death is rarely timely but know you have a firm conviction of her whereabouts, and that you will join back together at an appropriate time.

Sue was an integral part of each of our children's Patriarchal Blessings. All five (Casey, Missy, Jenni, Dusty, and Linsey) were made to feel at ease and comfortable in your home for those special occasions.

Casey and Dusty also enjoyed moving pipe with Vince in the summers, and they appreciated Sue's kind involvement in their lives.

Bonnie and I have always admired you and your great family and have you in our thoughts and prayers at this time.

Best wishes,

Randy and Bonnie Hunt
Mar 10, 2010
UT


March 11, 2010
We express our deepest sympathy. She was a wonderful classmate at Davis High School.
~
Robert Hollist,
Idaho Falls, Idaho
March 10, 2010


"By their fruits ye shall know them." An eternal marriage, and 7 bright and honorable children. What an abundant life! Thank you for the wonderful example your family is to me.
~
Holly Hess Dunn,
Salem, Utah
March 10, 2010

I will always remember Aunt Sue running back and forth between hers and Aunt Joyce's house as we harvested corn and green beans underneath the big tree. She was a tire-less worker, with never a word of complaint. She was devoted to her family and seemed to find her pleasure in life in the simple things. I remember telling her last July when I saw her that I didn't think she had changed in the last 30 years, still as lovely as ever and hardly a wrinkle, only smile lines! May we all be as kind and patient. We'll miss you!
~
Heidi Hess Johnson,
Pleasant Grove, Utah
March 10, 2010


Sue Hess is one of the kindest and most loving people I have ever known. She treated me like one of her own when I was frequently invited under her roof in my youth. Although the temporary separation is difficult for those left behind, this angel is truly where she belongs, no longer weighed down with earthly cares. I'm certain that her reunion with departed loved ones was a very joyful day indeed.
~
Cameron Hess,
Orange County, California
March 10, 2010


Vince and family,

Suzanne was one of my special cousins, especially since we were about the same age. How I remember the many wonderful times we had together. I am so grateful that we happened to be in Utah when you had your 50th wedding anniversary and were able to see her. We know you will find comfort in the gospel through the tough times ahead.

Lots of love and aloha.
~
Carol Gay and Dale Hammond
Laie, Hawaii
March 10, 2010


Craig and Tiffany: Love and concern from your Sunnyvale kin.
~
Dale C. Mouritsen,
Sunnyvale, California
March 10, 2010


Dear Hess Family:

We were saddened to learn of Suzanne's passing. She is a truly an example of Christian living and we will miss her deeply. Your family made us feel so welcome when we moved to Farmington 27 years ago, and you have been among our dearest friends ever since. May the Lord bless you at this difficult time and grant you His peace and comfort - the peace that surpasses all understanding.
With love,
Tom and Sharon Ockey


Dear Vince & Family,

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. I still see Suzanne's smiling face as we last visited in December. I also can't help but think of the sweet reunion she had with Todd and other loved ones. What a wonderful family. May your grief lessen every day and the comforter work in your life. Because of the distance we will not be able to attend the service, but our thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Love,
Jodie & Christine (Criddle) Mason
Mar 11, 2010
Eugene, OR


Dear Neighbors,
My family & I want you to know our thoughts and love are with you at this time. Sue's legacy of love will always be remembered. Because of family illness I'm unable to attend her services, but know my love is with you all.
Geri (Mickelson) Allen and Family
Mar 11, 2010
UT


Vince & Sons,
Your mother was an incredible women, who's spirituality touched many lives. Her kind heart and giving spirit were radiated whenever she welcomed anyone into her home. We are so grateful of the great love and care she showed Grandma Florence. All the love, visits, meals and kind words. Our grandmother always spoke great words of gratitude towards her. What a glorious celebration her life on earth was and that celebration continues as she joins her loved ones that have passed before her. She has raised an amazing family. We will truly miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys.

All our Love.
Steve & Bonnie Hess
Stephanie Hess
Bill & Tracy Hess Clarno
Lance & Charlene Hess Jensen
Mike & Kadie Hess Briggs
Charlene Hess Jensen
Mar 11, 2010
Syracuse, UT


If the measure of a woman is her children, Suzanne Hess was simply remarkable and without equal. Her sons are the smartest, hardest-working, straightest arrows around.

As a boy and young man, I remember the penetrating and austere looks from Sister Hess...as if to say, "Bobby Aamodt, you won't be getting into any of your mischief in my house."

She made us all better people. My fondest memories and deepest felt condolences to all of the Hess Family and my friends, Christian and Matthew.

Bob and Julie Aamodt
Mar 11, 2010
Farmington, UT


Dear Vince and Family,

Mike and I were saddened to hear of the passing of your sweet wife and mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. We know that the knowledge of our Heavenly Father's eternal plan will be of great comfort to you. What an elect lady Suzanne is!

All Our Love,
Mike and Cindy Petersen
Mar 12, 2010
Layton, UT


I was so sad to hear this news. We so wish we were closer so we could be present for your family at this time.
What a terrific example of a Christ Centered home I always encountered when visiting yours! I appreciated the spirit there!

Emily Hess Flinders
Mar 12, 2010
Audubon, PA