Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services

04/03/2026

Easter is a beautiful time and a celebration of hope and new life. If you're grieving the death of a loved one, taking time to reflect at your loved one's grave is a good way to incorporate them into your Easter celebration. Read this article to learn 4 reasons why you should visit your loved one's grave this Easter!

Visiting a loved one's grave at Easter can help you when you're grieving. Here are 4 ways you can benefit from a visit to the cemetery!

03/30/2026

03/28/2026

Jeralyn S. Smith, age 86, of Angola, IN passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, IN.

Ms. Smith was born on September 27, 1939, in Greensburg, IN to the late Milton and Carrie (Boggs) Swegman. In 1958, she graduated from New Point High School in New Point, IN.

For many years, Jeralyn was a devoted homemaker and mother. Later, she joined the workforce and worked for Robinair. Jeralyn was an avid Bingo player, loved cooking family meals on Sundays, and cherished all the time she spent with her family and loved ones.

Survivors include her daughters, Carrie Smith and Glenna Williams, both of Angola, IN; grandchildren, Hiedi (Billy) French of Angola, IN, Renee (Joe) Gruza of Coldwater, MI, Kristine Smith of Angola, IN, Josiah (Amanda) Smith of Angola, IN, Heather (Adam) Watts of Angola, IN, Amy (Matt) Foster of Fort Wayne, IN, Ashley (James) LaGrange of Alaska, Christopher (Amanda) Smith of Alaska, and Lori Smith of Alaska; 35 great-grandchildren; a brother, Danny Swegman of Greensburg, IN; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jeralyn was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Paul Smith; a sister, Millis Lewis; and an infant sister, Cleona Swegman.

There are no services scheduled at this time and cremation will take place.

Arrangements and care are entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, IN.

View Jeralyn S. Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/27/2026

Applying for Social Security benefits after the death of a loved one can feel both overwhelming and confusing. This easy guide shares helpful information on eligibility, what documents you need to gather, and where you can find answers to your questions!

After the death of a loved one, especially a spouse, you may be eligible to receive certain Social Security benefits. Click to learn more!

03/26/2026

Jacob “Jake” “Jakey Paul” Woods, age 20, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at his residence in Fort Wayne. Jake was born on August 17, 2005, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Paul Sanford Woods and Sara Marie Darling.

Jake attended New Haven High School in New Haven, Indiana, and was employed with P&B Cold Storage in Woodburn, Indiana. He had an old soul and a deep appreciation for classic music, especially artists such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Jake was an avid fi****ms and poker enthusiast and truly enjoyed the outdoors. In his free time, he loved camping, fishing, and kayaking.

Jake was known for his kind heart and infectious smile. He loved making others laugh and brought joy to those around him. Above all, he cherished every moment spent with his family and loved ones.

He is survived by his loving parents, Paul Sanford Woods and Sara Marie Darling; grandparents, Jody and Jimmy Carter; sisters, Gabryell Darling and Kayla (Landon) Rasmussen; nephews, Levi and Myles Rasmussen; aunts, Crystal (Chris) O’Connor and Paula Woods; uncle, Jeremy (Marybeth) McBride; special cousins, Cameron McDaniels, Jordan Butler, and Mackenzie Butler; along with many extended family members who will forever cherish his memory.

Jake was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Paul and Cinda Woods; maternal grandparents, Steve McBride and Barbara Darling; and three uncles, Johnnie Woods, Chris Woods, and Bradley Wetzel.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation prior from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 7633 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46835.

Burial will follow the service at Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery, 1109 Hartzell Road, New Haven, Indiana 46774.

Officiating the services will be Pastor Jacob Jackson of Three Rivers Baptist Church.

Memorial donations may be directed to the family.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

View Jacob "Jake" Paul Woods's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/26/2026

Dennis Duane Hess, 79, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Majestic Care of New Haven. Denny was born on January 20, 1947, to the late Roma A. and Murriel M. (Saunders) Hess in Auburn, Indiana. He was a 1965 graduate of Auburn High School, where he excelled in baseball, and served in the United States Army in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. For over 30 years, he worked as a security guard in Fort Wayne. On September 5, 2014, Denny married Karen Claymiller in Fort Wayne.

Denny was an avid sports enthusiast and an Indiana University fan. He kept track of every I.U. statistic in basketball and baseball every season; he never missed a single game on TV. Coming from Auburn, the home of the A-C-D Museum, he also loved antique cars, especially Auburns, Cords, and Duesenbergs. Denny also loved food; at family get-togethers he was known to try every dish.

Denny is survived by:

Spouse, Karen Hess of Fort Wayne; daughter, Jackie Fox of Fort Wayne; two grandchildren; brother, Ronald R. Hess of Kendallville; sister, Marilyn (Robert) Delagrange of Carmel, Indiana; brother-in-law, Robert Claymiller, Jr. of Nebraska; sister-in-law, Kathy Herder of Utah; six nieces and five nephews; and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Preceding Denny in death were his parents; brother, Larry L. Hess; sister-in-law, Judy Hess; sister-in-law, Sharon Whitehurst; and a brother-in-law, Eugene Davis.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Hess Funeral Home, 7633 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Immediately following the visitation, a funeral service will be conducted at 1:00pm by Father David Ruppert at Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Interment will take place following the funeral service at Auburn Catholic Cemetery in Auburn, Indiana.

Care entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, 7633 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

View Dennis "Denny" Duane Hess's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/26/2026

Scott Michael Bradley, age 63, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at his residence.

Scott was born on July 5, 1962, in Lima, Ohio, to William Russell Bradley Jr. and Patricia Ann (Kimmey) Bradley. He graduated from Allen East High School in Lafayette, Ohio, in 1980.

Scott had a passion for helping and caring for others, which was evident through his work as a Certified Nursing Assistant, where he provided compassionate care in several nursing homes throughout Fort Wayne and the surrounding communities. His dedication to those he served reflected his kind and selfless nature.

Scott was an avid animal lover and especially cherished his two dachshunds and his cat. He also had a love for cars, particularly sports cars, and enjoyed admiring and learning about them. Scott had a natural talent for photography and had a special gift for capturing beautiful and memorable images. He also enjoyed researching and studying his family genealogy. Above all, he deeply loved his family and friends, and his kindness and gentle spirit were felt by everyone who knew him.

Surviving is his mother, Pat Bradley of Lima, Ohio; sister, Kelly Lindeman of Delphos, Ohio; nephew, T.J. (Erica) Cross of Delphos, Ohio; niece, Amber Cross of Delphos, Ohio; great-nephews, Theo and Coen Cross of Delphos, Ohio; best friend, Richard Breedlove of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and many beloved cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father; his maternal and paternal grandparents; his brother-in-law, Jason Lindeman; and his aunt and uncle, Norma and Kenny Mullett.

There are no services scheduled at this time. Cremation will take place.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Hess Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

View Scott Michael Bradley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/22/2026

Gloria Jean Holle, age 68 of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully after many years of illness, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and devotion to those she loved.

Gloria was born on August 15, 1957, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to A.C. Gill and Helen Ilene Woods. She grew up alongside her siblings Steven, Bob, and Maria, and shared many memories with her extended family.

At just 15 years old, Gloria set out for California to live with her sister Maria. While there, she attended art school and earned a certificate in the arts. During that time, she also enjoyed traveling and experiencing life beyond her hometown before eventually returning to Indiana, where she later settled in Fort Wayne.

Gloria married her beloved husband, Richard Holle, and together they built a life centered on family and caring for others.

Throughout her life, Gloria worked many jobs, primarily in the food service industry. She later served as an activities director at a nursing home, where she brought creativity and companionship to many residents. Gloria was also deeply involved in her child’s school community. She worked in the after-school care program at the school Jay attended and eventually managed the department, enthusiastically organizing activities, arts and crafts, and celebrations for the children in her care.

Her greatest joy in life was being a mother to her child, Jay Holle. When Jay was born extremely premature, Gloria devoted herself entirely to caring for and supporting her child during those critical early months and beyond. Her dedication and love helped Jay grow and thrive.

Gloria was also known for being a caregiver to others in her family. She helped care for her mother, her sister Maria Elena Blake during her illness, and her mother-in-law Betty Swalley during difficult times.

She had a deep love for animals and nature. Encouraging Jay’s fascination with animals, Gloria helped care for lizards, turtles, hamsters, and many dogs and cats over the years. Among the beloved family pets were Precious, Tippy, Bandit, and Brandi.

Gloria enjoyed decorating for the holidays, tending her garden and plants, and feeding the birds. She had a generous spirit and loved bringing small joys to others, often sharing candy and small toys with neighborhood children and keeping snacks on hand for Jay and friends who visited.

She is survived by her loving husband, Richard Holle; her child, Jay Holle; her brother Steven Gill (Karen); and many extended relatives from the Walker family, including numerous aunts, cousins, and loved ones who will cherish her memory.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, A.C. Gill and Helen Ilene Woods; her siblings Maria Elena Blake and Robert “Bob” Wood; and many beloved family members and pets.

Gloria will be remembered for her creativity, generosity, and the deep love she shared with family, friends, neighbors, and animals. Her life was one of quiet compassion and selfless care, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date and details will be updated here.

Gloria will be laid to rest at Cedar Creek Cemetery in Auburn, Indiana, where she will join family members who passed before her.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, IN.

View Gloria Jean Holle's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/20/2026

Did you know that hospice care specifically focuses on improving quality of life? If you or a loved one are facing a terminal illness, read this blog to learn 6 ways that hospice care teams actively work to improve your days and ensure they are filled with peace and rest rather than stress and anxiety.

After a terminal diagnosis, quality of life becomes an important consideration. Read this article to learn 6 ways hospice care can do that.

03/20/2026

While winter may still hang on for a little while, spring is officially here. What will you miss about winter, and what are you looking forward to about spring?

03/18/2026

Mary Katherine Rouch, age 73, of Angola, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Parkview Randallia Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Mary was born on October 28, 1952, in Norwalk, Ohio, to the late Leonard and Stella (Matthews) Charles. She graduated from high school and later pursued further education in college. Throughout her life, Mary was known for her strong work ethic and dedication. She worked for many years at Colwell General in Kendallville and also spent several years employed at No-Sag in Kendallville.

Mary found joy in many simple pleasures of life. She was an avid crocheter and greatly enjoyed visiting garage sales, collecting trinkets, and playing Bingo. She also loved caring for her plants and animals. Mary held a deep and meaningful relationship with God, enjoyed reading the Bible, and faithfully attended church services. She was especially known among family and friends for making outstanding Thanksgiving turkeys each year.

Above all else, Mary cherished her family. She treasured the time spent with her loved ones and was grateful for the companionship of her recent roommate and dear friend, Brenda. Mary embraced life fully and will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew her.

Mary is survived by her son, Chloe Rouch of New Haven, Indiana; her twin grandchildren, Salem and Elijah Rouch of New Haven, Indiana; and her sister, T. Jean Powers of Kendallville, Indiana.

She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews: Julie and Jeremy Stevens of Angola, Indiana; Timothy Powers of Rome City, Indiana; Tom Powers of Kendallville, Indiana; Todd Powers of Kendallville, Indiana; Elizabeth Charles of Kendallville, Indiana; Starina Charles of Kendallville, Indiana; Tina and James Owens of Kendallville, Indiana; Tammy and John Glover of Churubusco, Indiana; Roylee Charles of Kendallville, Indiana; Jeff Charles of Nevada; Ken Charles of California; and Dustin and Megan Charles of California.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by three siblings: Roy Charles, Lenny Charles, and Rosie Coy.

A memorial service celebrating Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m., at Bethel Christian Baptist Church, 2838 US-6, Rome City, Indiana 46784.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

View Mary Katherine Rouch's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.