Carol Ann Hess

CAROL ANN HESS, 84, of Ruma, Illinois, passed away at 10:52 am, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Red Bud Regional Hospital, Red Bud, Illinois.

Carol was born to the late Wilfred C. and Lucille O. (nee Auer) Bielefeld on September 13, 1941, in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois. On April 30, 1960, she married Roger Hess at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prairie du Rocher, and he survives.

Raised in Prairie du Rocher, Carol graduated from Red Bud High School. Her professional career began at Laclede Steel Company in St. Louis, Missouri, where she carpooled with many others from the area. After several years as a stay-at-home mother, she returned to work as a school bus driver for the Prairie du Rocher school district. Following the birth of her seventh child, she began a 22-year career at the Red Bud IGA, where she built lasting friendships with colleagues and community members until her retirement in 1997.

A devout Catholic, Carol found great joy in receiving the Eucharist and praying the rosary. She was a dedicated member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ruma, Illinois, and a staunch supporter of United for Life. She was an avid quilter at St. Patrick’s and also coached and moderated the CYO at church.

Carol enjoyed camping at Marissa Recreation Area, reading a good book, playing cards, and bingo. She also had a musical talent, playing the accordion in the Kitchen Band. She played softball, bowled, and was an avid golfer, even achieving a hole-in-one on hole #8 at North County Country Club.

Above all, she cherished the time spent with her family and attended many of her children's and grandchildren's sporting events.

Survivors:

Husband: Roger Hess, Sr.

9 Children:  Robin (James) Hentis, Christine (Mark) Hatfield, Lisa Hess (Judy Shane), Roger (Joan) Hess, Jr., Anita (Jeffrey) Toth, Pamela (Todd) Ozier, Julie  (Nathan) Stern, Jamie (Arnold) Kreke, and Jason (Jamie) Hess

20 Grandchildren: Nicholas (Ashley) Hentis, Nathan (Marisa) Hentis, Natalie (Alex) Phegley, Derek (Melinda) Kueker, Jared (Crystal) Kueker, Amber (Brett) Thiele, Tyler (Olivia) Hess, Ryan Hess (Becca Barbeau), Michael Toth, Amanda Toth, Jessica Toth, Sarah Toth, Olivia Toth, Alexander (Caitlyn) Stern, Aaron Stern, Austin Stern, Gabriella Hess, Lilyana Hess, Emersyn Hess, and Henley Hess

12 Great Grandchildren: Oliver & Marlow Hentis, Hayley & Jayden Hentis, Parker & Hazel Phegley, Makayla & Brayden Kueker, Caelyn & Corbin Kueker, Cassian Thiele, and Fallon Hess

6 Step Grandchildren: Nathan & Joseph Hasenstab, Corey, Meagan, Cassidy, & Caleb Hatfield

5 Step Great-Grandchildren: Aiden Thiele, Sylas Hatfield, and Lea & Lillian Hatfield

1 Sister: Marlene Rall

Sisters-in-law & Brothers-in-law: Eva Joan (Arthur) Ahne, Patricia (Donald) Stimler, and Gladys Hess

Many Nieces, Nephews, Godchildren, and Friends

Preceded in death by: Parents, 1 Infant Child, 1 Sister – Janet Caruso, 1 Brother – Robert (Mary Lou) Bielefeld, In-laws – Herman & Florence Hess, 2 Sisters-in-law and spouses – Josephine (Robert) Gregson, Geraldine (Orville) Vogt, 1 Brother-in-law – Raymond Hess, 2 Nephews – Glenn & Gary Evans, and 1 Niece – Vicky Gregson

Funeral Mass:

  10:00 am, Monday, April 27, 2026

  St. Patrick Catholic Church, Ruma, Illinois

Officiating:

   Fr. Iuvenis Iheme

Interment:

   St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery

   Ruma, Illinois

Visitation:

   Sunday – 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

   Pechacek Funeral Homes, Red Bud, Illinois

Memorials:

   Masses

   St. Patrick’s Cemetery Fund