Donna Hess, 94

Donna M. (Graham-Watson) Hess, age 94, of Granger, Indiana passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Brookdale Granger Assisted Living. She was a former resident of Constantine, Buchanan and Edwardsburg. She was born March 9, 1929 in Sturgis., the daughter of the late Ila M. (Hamilton) Teall and step-father Jack Van Cleve. On December 21, 1946 she married Darrow (Johhny) Watson (35 years). He preceded her in death April 15, 1981. On August 27, 1988 Donna married Charles Hess. He preceded her in death July 24, 2013 (25 years). She lived a full and happy life as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Donna was co-owner of Watson Painting and Interior Decorating of Constantine and owner of Arrowhead Cafe in the Sturgis Archery Center. She waitressed, volunteered, and was a homemaker with many talents. Donna was a former member of the Buchanan United Methodist Church and Parents Without Partners. She enjoyed yard work, needlework, crocheting, beading, crosswords, camping, snowmobiling, traveling, cards, and Scrabble . She loved listening to music, dancing, and visits from grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Donna is survived by her children: Stan (Mary Ellen) Watson of Elkhart,  Steve (Gail Savick) Watson of Shipshewana,  Linda (Bob) Coryn of Elkhart, and Shane (Kate) Watson of Cedar Park, Texas; step-children: Ray Hess of South Bend,  Chuck Hess of Niles,  and Jean (Dan) Gillis of Niles; sisters-in-law; Sue Watson of White Pigeon,  Gloria Storey of Union, Michigan and Dollie Dimmick of Arlington, Texas; 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by sisters; Doris Rasler, Helen Boals, Lamoine Sample, Edna Boals, Wanda Harker and infant Marilyn.

Relatives and friends will be received Friday in celebration of her life, September 15th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Eley Funeral Home in Constantine with religious services at 11:00.  Pastor Karen Wheat of Constantine United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be in Constantine Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Brookdale Granger Assisted Living Center. Please leave a message for the family and sign Donna’s online guestbook at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.