Donna was an awesome friend.  I remember helping her hang all those decorations for Halloween for years - and years - and years.  She brought so any people together - whether dancing, taking care of those prenatal babies or working with her construction crew.  I remember her working with my Daddy 
to lower the ceiling in the dining room of the Parkway House and hang wallpaper all over the place.  I also remember her helping my Mother after she had surgery for cancer. I appreciate the fact that she still talks to me and gives me guidance from the "other side" - which is confrontive and humorous - just like she was in life.    

It's been nearly a year and your light still shines in and through our hearts.

Donna, you were a good friend and always made me laugh. I loved working with you and for you. The world was a better place while you were here and I am a better person for having known you. You are missed!

Dear Hess Family,
My fondest memories of Donna-as a member of a girls softball team in Wynne, she was the coach-what great fun we had, spending time together! How encouraging and so full of life! I will miss her dearly. My deepest sympathy.

What a wonderful person Donna was & a great asset to Methodist Healthcare.  I will always remember those nights & days spent working with her in the NICU @ North & G'town while I performed the SIDS testing.  She was a great teacher and would do anything to help you.  Her knowledge and background in so many areas was truely amazing.  Her legacy will live on within the halls of the new Women's & Children's Pavillion @ MLG.

I will miss your dry wit, my friend. Our hearts are heavier without you nearby. Ginny, please know that we are here for you.

Thank you Donna for taking such great care of my twin girls in the NICU. Praying for your family.

I was blessed to know you Donna. Our hearts will always have a void now that you are gone. 

Prayers for all of Donna's family!

I started first grade with Donna and six other kids, only one of whom I knew.  We all some good years as a group getting to know friends and relatives (which most of us were :)  Our family moved from Wynne in 1968 and I had not had contact with her or her family since then but her passing was a shock to hear.  I can only say that God has his plan for all of us.  My condolences to her Ida, Albert, and her family.

Donna was an amazingly positive, energetic, loving, and accepting person. Her love of having fun and her "take care of it" attitude made her a role model for all women. And Donna could make an AWESOME pecan tart! Ginnie - you, two, were soooo good together.  My heart breaks for you, and I'm so glad that you had a wonderful life together.  Hang in there and know you are loved.

To all of Donna's family, I am so sorry for your loss.  Donna was one of the best and fairest bosses I ever had.  She was a great friend to everyone.  I regret that I did not stay in touch with her after leaving Methodist Germantown.  Her memory will be forever engraved in the walls of that hopsital and walls of all the hearts she has touch.  May God's love and peace be with you all.

Donna, We don't understand why you were taken from us and so many people who loved you so soon.  You will never know how much we will miss your laughter, and your "warped" sense of humor.  You always knew how to bring a smile to everyone's face.  Of course you had to go and leave us trapped here in Dallas in ice and snow, but from where you are, you know that.  Don't think we won't have one incredible get together down the road.  In the mean time, we expect you to watch over us until that day comes.  We miss you and we will live on all the wonderful memories we had of our time on earth.  Until we see you again,love Paula and Carol.

Those that knew her loved her and those that loved her will never forget her.Having known her very nearly half my life, I can say that I have never known anyone that loved her family more profoundly. Her intensity and attention to detail were ever present in work and play. Her passion for life and beauty and nature and music, and the list goes on and on. My thoughts and prayers are with Ginnie, Donna's beloved family members and all of us left behind in utter disbelief. Godspeed on your journey,Anam Cara

Donna's family.  Know that I understand your pain.  I have no words to encourage you, lift you, or tell you that it's all okay because it's not.  Just know that I love y'all.

My deepest condolences to the entire family. Ginnie - I can't imagine how difficult this time is for you. I know how much you two loved each other. Take gentle care of yourself. Love and comfort to you.

I haven't seen Donna in twenty years  (since the twenty year class reunion), but am saddened to hear of her passing.  Growing up out there in Hess, Hylle and Boeckmannville, I have jokingly said that I was 17 before I realized I wasn't family, too!  Guess that's because I was always treated like one of the family!!  Am really having some fond childhood memories of all the fun we had!  Although I got to ride the motorcycle, Donna, I never did get that tractor ride!!  Just wanted all of Donna's family to know that they are in my prayers.  Love in Christ, Vickie Johnson-Burton

Keeping everyone in my prayers Janice Hunt-Little

I met Donna for the first time in 1993 at the FBU at Methodist North. I was new to Labor and delivery at that time. Donna was always so calming. A great teacher and friend. She will be missed by many  for a long time to come. I wish for comfort for Donnas family during this most difficult time.

I am very blessed to have known and worked with Donna for many years.To know Donna was to love her. What a tremendous loss to everyone who knew her. God bless. Becky Siano, Germantown,TN.

Donna,

How do you say farewell to someone who was such a great friend, servant leader, construction queen and fellow animal rescuer? I fondly remember the early days when you first came to Germantown, built and opened the NICU. We had so much fun learning together. As the years past andd the hospital grew, we had so much fun laughing and having "reality checks" together. Your sense of humor and ability to not take yourself too seriously were what made those around you get through the challenging times.

Everytime I drive past or enter into the new pavillion at Germantown (including the parking garage!), I will be reminded of my dear friend. Your sustainability will be felt in every brick and hallway for years to come. 

I especially am grateful for your love of animals and your willingness to rescue and care for animals that others ignored or would have had destroyed.  We sure shared some wild cat stories!

My thoughts and prayers are with those that you truly loved. I pray that each day will be easier for them and that they will know they were truly blessed to part of your life.

I knew Donna since the first grade at St. Peters Catholic School in Wynne, Arkansas and of course being distant cousins.  She and I were the only girls in the class to graduate from the 8th grade at St. Peters.  We played softball together. It was fun.  Donna will be deeply missed by all.  I hadn't seen Donna in years and I was in awe in reading about all of her accomplishments. Way to go Donna. My thoughts and prayers go out to Albert, Ida, Candy, Jan and Lynn and all those lives she touched. May God bless you all and wrap you in his arms.

Keeping everyone in my prayers
Randy McKenzie

Dear Ginny,
I don't know you and haven't seen Donna for 20+ years, but I wanted to write you and let you know how the news of her death shocked and saddened me enormously. I knew Donna in the late 70's through most of the 80s, before I moved to Washington State. 
It's shocking because she was such a lively, vital human being always thinking through things carefully, with grace and wisdom. Her sense of humor was always so dry and spot on. Donna didn't need to say 3 things when 1 would do. I loved that about her. 
Saddening, because I mostly remember how loving she was to animals and though I never saw it, you could tell small children loved her too. I count those attributes as the sign of a really wonderful person. Donna was certainly that. I loved her as well.  
I have no idea what you must be going through, but I'm hoping that the stream of warm rememberances is a tiny bit of comfort. 
It's clear she loved and adored you from the photos). I'm sure lucky probably doesn't seem to describe you right now, but however long you had her in your life, I know you feel grateful for that time. I'm so very sorry she left so suddenly. I cannot begin to imagine your grief. She left an indelible mark on those who know her. One that is filled with love, laughter, wisdom, thoughtfulness, kindness, and generosity, well...blessedness. She is loved and missed far and wide. Carol

Celebrating the life of a wonderful person and a true friend. Donna and I worked together at Methodist Germantown. I always loved her sense of humor and beautiful spirit.  Donna was an excellent Clinical Director as well as a great Project Manager. I thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to work with Donna Hess. My prayers go out to Donna's family and friends.

Donna the halls at Methodist Germantown will be vacant, I can't remember a time when you did not have architectual plans in your hands or a hard hat near-by, I always enjoyed our interactions as we passed each other in the hall-ways. You have left us too soon, but your presence, your lasting touch will always be seen in and around the hospital, and in our hearts, I believe God needed another architect/designer to add more rooms and he truly got that, we will miss you, but we will never forget, may God bless you and keep your loved ones in his hands. Rick Stewart Intv Rad (Hernando MS)

i am saddened by such a life being lost. but God has one more angel with strong charcter and love. my prayers are with all the family GOD BLESS . wanda gahr armstrong

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Albert and Ida,
We are thinking and praying for you.
Robert and Lois Byrd

Today, I wear a heart for women's heart health, a national campaign and a personal tribute to my friend of 40 years, Donna Hess. This heart also goes out to Ginnie, Ida, Donna's sisters and all those whose lives were enriched by Donna.

Donna, it seems like you're still right here. You and I came to MHG the same year - sort of grew up with the place. Those of us who worked with you on a regular basis knew that we didn't have to worry if you were over an area or a task - the job always got done well and safely. I think of you like Christa McAuliff w/the Challenger crew: You did something no woman at Methodist had ever done. Now all of a sudden you're gone and we're not quite sure how we're going to get along without you. Tony and I were talking about you in the cafeteria - about your Christlike servant heart. You showed me the Christian I want to be, "in whose presence is heaven begun". Goodbye dear friend.  Terri Smith

I was so sorry to hear of your loss.  The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

I knew when I saw Donna driving her TR-6 in 1979-80 that I was going to like her.  And sure enough I did.  Her humor, and fun-loving personality was contagious.  I would occassionally run into her over the years, LeBonheur, Methodist, Arkansas, and most recently at the Orpheum last fall.  Thankfully, we shared a hug.  I bet she's trying to determine how to turn the brightness of angel wings into renewable energy...oh wait, Donna, that's already been done!  My sincere prayers go out to Ginnie and all of Donna's friends and family. Donna is at peace.

Donna loved animals and loved life!  Long before the hospitals officially merged, Donna initiated the Methodist/ LeBonheur union by coaching our  softball team (which was comprised of employees from each institution).  We all had a blast that summer under Donna's leadership.  As a nurse, I have seen Donna's professionalism and patient avocacy.  Warm, kind, bright, and glowing.  Your your presence will be sorely missed and this earth will be a tad smaller and out of kilter without you on it.

My thoughts and prayers are with you Ginnie. May your family and friends help you thru your times of sorrow. I am truly sorry for your loss.

I knew when I saw you for the first time, driving your old TR-6 that you were someone I would like.  Sure enough, you really became a great, funny, friend. Over the years we would run into each other at LeBonheur, Methodist, mutual friends etc.  I was so pleased when I was able to talk with you and Ginnie this past fall at the Orpheum after so many years.  My heart is heavy with Ginnie's loss of you.  I feel you are above trying to determine how to turn the glow of the angels wings into renewable energy...oh, maybe that's already been done. Rest heavenly, Donna
Beth Spence

Our sincere condolence goes out to Ginnie and your family. We only knew you for a short time but your accomplishments speak a lifetime about you. Ginnie, we are here if you ever need anything. 
Your neighbors,
The Bomprezzi Family

Donna came into our lives when she met or friend Ginnie. She instantly became our friend also. We shared many laughs and adventures (biling trips) and each others company. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, especially Ginnie. Donna knew no boundaries.  Carolyn and Anita Memphis, TN

Donna, I see and feel you among the stars.  May loving memories comfort you, Ginny.

I AM TRUELY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS FROM KATHLEEN MIDDLETON MOORE AND FAMILY.

 Donna you will greatly be missed and I know that you are there with the Lord looking down on us all. I have such good memories of us all playing softball and camping out and having so much fun and you were such a blessing to us all and made friends with everyone, you really kept us all together. I pray for all of your family and know that you will me missed, love you Rose Gahr Young (Wynne, Arkansas)

Donna will forever be in the hearts of those that she touched at Methodist Germantown. She was a wonderful nurse and many looked up to her. Donna put her heart and soul into the Women's Pavillion. Every time we enter it, we will be reminded of her.

I haven't seen Donna in over 20 years and yet was just thinking about her last week - wondering if she was on Facebook and we could connect.  My friend, Carol, was coming down from Seattle to visit.  I had met Carol at a Halloween party Donna was co-hosting.  Donna had devised the most INCREDIBLE Werewolf persona/costume.  She was so creative and such a hard worker.  My condolences and love to her Partner, family, and friends.  Debbie Boots (Portland, OR)

When Donna was first hired @ Methodist in the NICU, I was assigned to be her preceptor.  We instantly became friends.   Many years later,  when I decided to transfer to GT, she created a staffing position for me.  Later on, Donna knew that the NICU needed an educator and she believed in me so much that she hired me into that position.  I am eternally grateful to her for seeing my potential. I will always remember her humor, quick wit, strawberry jam, pecan tarts and all the practical jokes we played on each other. Donna was a good friend, mentor, and boss.  She will be missed at Germantown but her presence still lives on all through the Women's Pavilion. Ginnie and family, I pray that God will comfort you during this most difficult time.

I can't believe that such a wonderful soul is gone. My heart breaks for Ginnie and her family. Donna was wise, fun, caring, talented, and generous spirit. An awesome person who would laugh to hear me say that. 
I have so many images of her throughout the years - in great costumes, playing softball, water skiing, rocking out to Prince, and just talking. Thanks for being you. You will be sorely  missed.
Love you

Donna was my classmate from the 3rd grade until we graduated from high school and was always a very good friend.  She always had a great sense of humor and will be missed by many.   My condolences go out to all of her family.    Roger Winkler (Wynne, Ar)

I first met Donna in 1974 at St. Jude where Donna was working as a nurse and I was a weekend ward clerk.. She made a long lasting impression on me with her compassion and caring for her patients and with her great nursing skills.. After I left St.Jude I always wondered what Donna was up to.. Years later in 1988-1989, Donna became one of our Home Health nurses to our son Sam Graves, who spent the first 19 1/2 months in first NICU then ICU at LeBonheur...Sam was the first child LeBonheur ever sent home directly from ICU... I couldn't believe it was Donna that showed up at our door!! She became a friend to our family... Whenever Donna was at our home taking care of Sam, we knew we could get away for while because he was in such good hands... I remember not long after she began working for us that she had that terrible car accident... We were so thankful she survived that accident.. God obviously had many more plans for  Donna.. We kept in touch.. and would run into one another now and again.. I saw her working in NICU at Methodist Germantown when i went to visit a good friend whose baby was in NICU... Same old Donna!! She always wanted to know how Sam was doing.. The last I saw Donna was last year, again at Methodist..We saw each other in the hall, and she told me of her New Job with Methodist..  My heart is heavy and I am so very sad that her work here is done...She touched so very many lives, and i know that our lives are better for having had Donna in it.  Thank you Donna for all you did for our family.  May God bless your family.. Love, Becky, Gary and Sam Graves

Words can't begin to express how I feel at the loss of this great friend.  Donna was a great woman to work with and was always concerned about those she worked with.  She always wanted the job done right and always put in the effort to see that it happened that way.  You will be greatly missed old friend.  I just wish I knew what to say to your family that you leave behind. My prayers with be with your family.

My dear friend Donna, no words for how much I love you and will miss you.  I admired and respected you greatly.  I will always remember your great quick wit and sense of humor. Until we meet again, rest in peace. (I am sure you have already found some acres to plant some blueberries on because I know you can't sit still!)

In Loving  memory of a wonderful person,We will love you and miss you always.
RIP 
Material Service Dept.
Methodist/Germantown

Miss Donna you were something else I still remeber for my birthday getting that million dollar bill and I will always remember you sending mom home with strawberry jam for me. Eventhough I only met you a couple times I felt like I had known you forever. Its hard to know that you are no longer with us but I know that you will be watching after me from up above.

You were one of a kind. I am lucky to have had the honor of calling you a friend.  My heart and prayers go out to your family and to Ginnie.  I wish them as much peace and comfort possible today and for the days to come.

My condolences to Donna's loved ones - I worked with Donna for about 15 years and I always loved her quick wit and dry sense of humor.  She had a way of saying what needed to be said -  things that no one else would.  I was always awed and amazed at her ability to DO so much - hands on construction, nursing, project management, etc., but the hands-on- do-it-yourself things especially. I will really miss Donna - she leaves a void here at Germantown that we will always notice.

To all of Donna's family...be at peace, as she surely is.  I worked with Donna at Methodist.  What a sad and shocking death.  She will be missed.  Unfortunately, I am unable to make her funeral. My thoughts are with you at this time.

One of the most amazing and smartest women I have ever met. I will keep Ginnie and her family in my prayers.

To Ginnie and all of Donna's family there are no words that can take away your sorrow.  I know that she has left a void that no one will fill but memories will bring us joy in coming days as we remember her impact on us and others.  "Let us not mourn the passing of the her flame but rejoice in how brightly it burned while amongst us." -unknown author.

Donna you were a friend to me for over 20 years and I will never forget you. You comforted me through my struggles. Your encouragement allowed me to be a better person, leader, and nurse. You were my roll model that I always wanted to be like. The compassion you had for others was beyond measure. I admired you in so many ways I could not begin to express in just a word or two. You will be missed each and every day. I will always miss your smile. I love you very much.

Donna was a friend of mine for 40 years; we went to nursing school together; Donna was a wonderful person and a thoughtful, dear person; my heart is heavy at her passing and I will miss her so much. My condolences to Ginnie and all those who loved her.  Bunny Hackmeyer (Memphis, Tn)

Donna was always one to laugh at the crazy stunts Ginnie and I would pull at Christmas.  She was an amazing woman who we will miss terribly.  My prayers go out to Ginnie and her family at this time.  May God bless you all.

My friendship with Donna began over 20 years ago. She was one of the funniest people I have ever known. Her wit and sense of humor was amazing. Besides that Donna really cared about her family, co-workers and Methodist Germantown Hospital. The world lost a wonderful person but she will live on in all of us who were touched by her spirit. I love you Donna and keep us all in your sights from above. Godspeed!

Donna was a dear friend to our family. She was our Home Health nurse for 3 years for our daughter, Stacy.  She was Stacy's second mom.  Donna taught David and I everything we know about taking care of Stacy.  Stacy is now 28 years old, working and doing great.  I know she got all of her determination and love of music from Donna. Thank you, Donna.  Rest in Peace my friend.

Lynn, David and Stacy Stricklen

I existed from all eternity and, behold, I am here; and I shall exist till the end of time, for my being has no end. 
Khalil Gibran

To Donna's family - she has touched so many lives and made all of us better people. Her hand print will ever be on Methodist Germantown.  I am so glad to have known her and enjoyed her laughter and friendship.

I will miss Donna's way of making everyone laugh, she was so funny!  I will miss her kindness, her pep talks, her words of encouragement her advice and her cooking.  She is truly a remarkable woman who will be greatly missed.  Wendy

I will always remember Donna and the GREAT Halloween Parties at Bolton Boo!! I moved away in 1999, but have always remembered the fun, laughs and friendships....She will be missed by me and many......

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Donna when we were both growing up in Wynne Arkansas. We both attended St.Peter's Catholic Church and played softball together. Wow! What a terrific lst baseman! I will always remmember her laugh and desire to win and the look on her face when I threw the ball crazy to first base. 
I know everyone in town remmembers Sister Gertrude who taught just about everyone . We had the best education...in this small school, surrounded by the best there is........Hess's Gahr's, Bockemans and the whole family of farmers and friends that lived in this community.
I remmember the kindness of her family towards our family when there was little .....for we never knew what is was like to be poor. For that matter everyone that was a Hess, Gahr, Bockeman, Holley ...saw to it that no one that lived around them went without something they needed. There were no food stamps just people with good hearts doing what they could in the way of food and other necessities to help one another.
I know that her family and friends are very proud of Donna......her goodness, love and care for others.

I don't know if anyone knows how to say good-bye. I think we just find a way ...to remmember what is best in those we love...cherish the memories and say good-bye when we are ready.

Donna I know that God is smiling at you and you are smiling back. 

Help us Lord ,especially her family..Ida, Albert, Jan,Candy ,Rebecca , her Life Partner Ginnie and her many many other family members and community of friends that were touched by her life. Help us all to celebrate the beauty of her life and find peace in the Lord.

I found out about my dear friend, Donna's, passing while here in Costa Rica.  My heart cries for all of us who will miss her dearly.  Donna and I, along with a group of others, did some amazing emotional release work together many years ago.  Later, in 2007 and 2009 when I had both knees replaced at Methodist Germantown, Donna took the time out of her busy schedule to come and make sure I was being taken care of properly.  Her winsome smile and quirky sense of humor always brought sunshine into my world.  My world is a little grayer now without her.  Someone said recently that we have another angel to look over us, but I say we had an angel right here looking over us.  Sweet dreams, dear friend!!!

Donna was the dearest friend & my heart is heavy. I will hold my wonderful memories of this brilliant, funny & talented women forever. She will be truly missed. I cannot imagine this world without her. Until we meet again, you are so loved.

Donna will be sorely missed here at Methodist Hospital.  She was a great person.  I will keep her family in my prayers.

I have met no one with more strength, humor, compassion and competence than  Donna. Her confidence was unending. Regardless of how daunting a task might be, one could count on Donna to complete it or find out how and then finish. Her love of music and her gift for working w electronics were amazing. Whatever she did she did it perfectly, if that is possible. Well miss your humor your energy and the confidence you were able to share with all who knew you.  Jana

Donna was a friend of 32 years. She was always there for me, no matter what. We shared a love for Disco music & Humor. She had the most wonderful sense of humor & I always enjoyed being around her. I will miss you Donna!!!!

Deborah Caldwell Myers

OBITUARY

Donna Hess

February 23, 1952 – January 31, 2011

Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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