Heather Dawn Hess

Heather was born in Portland, Oregon on August 24, 1980 to Ron and Joy Hess. She was everything to them. Two and a half years later, her sister Heidi was born and they were inseparable. Heather made many friends throughout her life. She was always a people person, which was reflected on her Facebook page and the hundreds of comments of love and support she’s received. She graduated from Reynolds High School in Troutdale OR in 1999.

Heather worked as the head cook at Marquis Acute Care for the past 7 years; both in Portland, OR and Las Vegas, NV until December 2022. She became good friends with several of her coworkers and cherished those friendships. She began working while in high school at a retirement home and always had a real talent for dealing with the elderly. She went from working at the retirement home to being a preschool teacher for several years, and then eventually back into medical care facilities. She was truly a natural with people from all walks of life.

Heather loved children and her niece, Amaya and Nephew, Isaiah were the lights of her life. Her little dog Bailey was her baby and she adored her. Heather was very family oriented. She loved her many aunts, uncles, cousins and all of her countless friends unconditionally. She had a very close relationship with her parents, Ron and Joy. When they relocated to Las Vegas 4 years ago, she moved with them so that everyone could be together. Heather was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer 2 years ago. She underwent multiple types of chemotherapy and immunotherapy throughout her battle with cancer. She was a true warrior up to the end and was still fighting up until the day she passed. She never gave up! She is survived by parents, Ron and Joy Hess, her sister Heidi Ackah and brother-in-law Bojo Ackah, niece and nephew; Amaya and Isaiah Ackah and her boyfriend; Stan Shelton, many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Donations can be made to PanCan, or her GoFund me to help with expenses.