Connie Rae Hess

Connie Rae Smith Hess, 71, of Madison, Kansas, passed away on February 14, 2024, in Emporia, Kansas, following a brief battle with cancer.

Connie was born to Fred and Arlene Heldt Smith in Sterling, Kansas, on July 17, 1952. Through family members, Connie was introduced to David Lee Hess, and their first date was at the Kansas State Fair. This became an annual trip for them. They were married in Hutchinson, Kansas, on February 18, 1977. He survives of the home.

Surviving family members include: son, Dr. Eric and wife, Dr. Kari (Ratcliff) Hess of Emporia; daughter, Stephanie and husband, John Calderwood of Emporia; daughter, Jennifer Hess of Eureka, Kansas; grandchildren, Drew and Aubree Hess, Jake Calderwood, Ashton Hess, and Holden Hess Wilson; her siblings, Linda (Richard) Stover of Sterling, Michael Smith of Hutchinson, Cynthia (Max) Morales of Lyons, Kansas, Rodney (Rhonda) Smith of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Robert Smith of Hutchinson, and Timothy Smith of Hutchinson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Brian Hess; a beloved granddaughter, Allison Hess; siblings, Geraline Elliot, Paula Capps, and Dennis, who died in infancy.

Connie graduated from Sterling High School and went to work for Doskocil Food Companies of South Hutchinson. After moving to Madison in 1977, she took time to raise her family, and later went to work for Dolly Madison in Emporia, where she retired after many years of employment. Connie enjoyed gardening and taking care of her yard, reading books, taking shopping trips, and spending time with family, especially attending her grandchildren’s activities. She often joked that she read every book in the Madison Library.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Monday, February 19, 2024 at VanArsdale Funeral Home in Madison. The funeral will be at 10:30 am, Tuesday, February 20, 2024 also at VanArsdale Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Blakely Cemetery, Madison. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of her granddaughter, to the Alli Hess Memorial Fund and sent in care of the funeral home at PO Box 488, Madison, Kansas 66860. Live streaming may be accessed through: VanArsdale Funeral Services, Inc.’s facebook page at www.facebook.com/vanarsdalefuneralservices.