Elaine Hess, 81, of Greenfield

Mass of Christian Burial: Will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. John’s Catholic Church in Greenfield with burial in the Greenfield Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the church following the burial.  Father Phillip Bempong will officiate the service. The Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge of the professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com. 

Open Visitation: Will be held at the Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Family Visitation: The family will greet friends on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Memorials: May be directed to the Elaine Hess Memorial Fund to be established by the family at a later date. 

Elaine Kay Hess was born on October 18, 1943, the daughter of Harold and Frances (Palma) Hughes. She passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the Greater Regional Medical Center in Creston, Iowa, at the age of 81.

Elaine attended Richland Elementary School through fourth grade and then graduated from Greenfield High School in 1961. On December 15, 1963, she was united in marriage to Duane Harris. To this union two sons were born: David and Lynn. She lived in Greeley, Colorado until 1980 then moved back to Greenfield, Iowa. In 1989, she married Junior Hess and they spent 34 years together before Junior passed in March of 2024. 

Elaine began nursing school in 1983 and received her RN degree from Southwestern Community College in Creston. She worked as a registered nurse at Des Moines General Hospital in the ICU for ten years and Lutheran Hospital in the ER for fifteen years. She also worked at other hospitals in the area. She truly loved her job as a nurse and took great pride in it. She retired from nursing in 2013 for a short time, then went back to work at Casey’s and Bloodline in Greenfield.

Elaine had a passion for life and enjoyed a variety of activities. She loved playing slow-pitch softball and spent many years as a dedicated member of a bowling league. Elaine also had a talent for knitting, creating beautiful Santa Claus Christmas stockings for her children, grandchildren, and various family members. She was an avid fan of the Denver Broncos, and even kept up with the game in her final moments. 

Summers were a special time for Elaine, as she spent them caring for her pool, enjoying the sun, and welcoming friends and family to share in the fun. She especially loved when her grandkids hosted pool parties with their friends; she always came out to enjoy the fun too. Elaine also loved supporting her grandchildren in their sporting events, where she seldom missed an event. In her last moments, she was still rooting for her grandson Eli at his wrestling meet. 

Elaine’s warmth touched the lives of many. She was a friend to all, with a story to share and a word of advice. She was not afraid to tell you how it is. Her welcoming smile, positive outlook, and selflessness are memories that will remain with everyone who knew her. She had a special gift for taking care of others and never wanted anyone to worry about her. Her passing leaves a deep void, and those who knew her will forever hold her memory in their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Junior Hess; brothers, Bill, Gary and Donald Hughes; sister, Mary Funke; and nephews, Paul Hughes and Kevin Funke.

She is survived by her children, David Harris of Greenfield, Lynn Harris (Shelly) of Greenfield, Jay Hess (Eva) of Greenfield and Laura Hess of Waukee; seven grandchildren, Mackenzie Swanson (Kiley), Samantha Britten (Thomas), Colby Harris (friend Kacee Klommhaus), Eli Harris, Maddison Hess, Vegas Johnston and Ronyn Johnston; great granddaughter, Ava Swanson; and other relatives.