Laura Jane Hess, 86, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 5, 2024, at her home. She was born on March 8, 1938, in Manchester, the daughter of Donald and Esther (Brutsman) Ruddlesdin. Laura was raised and educated in Manchester and was a 1956 graduate of Manchester High School. She attended Iowa State University for two years and then completed her B.A. degree at the University of Dubuque, majoring in Home Economics and Biology. Laura taught in Clutier for two years and then for three years in Strawberry Point.
On June 9, 1962, Laura was united in marriage to Neil Hess at the First Presbyterian Church in Manchester. The couple resided in Manchester. Neil passed away on November 29, 2021. Laura was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church and was involved with various committees over the years. She enjoyed traveling, photography, reading, and loved wearing hats! She enjoyed visiting with her friends at the Sunset Family Restaurant in Manchester.
Survivors include her cousins, Berdina Bell, Aaron and Carol Dettbarn, Jerry and Bev Pritchard, Gloria Cox, and Tracy Price; close friends, Tom and Connie Allyn, Jim and Kathy Hauschild, and Jeff and Jennifer Schaul; and her First Presbyterian Church friends.
Laura was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Neil; and brother, Loren Ruddlesdin.
A special thank you to all her wonderful caregivers, especially Melissa, and friends over this past year, along with the nurses at Care Initiatives Hospice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com .
Laura requested that no services be held, and her inurnment will be conducted at a later date at Union Cemetery –Early, Iowa.
Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester, Iowa, is assisting with Laura’s arrangements.
