Lulu Hess

On Feb 14, 2021, Lulu Mae (Sue) Hess passed away peacefully during her sleep. Sue represented that pioneer spirit and the survival instincts common among so many of her generation who chose a Colorado ranching life. When she was a small child, she survived two terrible home fires (one started by a Christmas candle and the other by lightning). A terrible automobile accident in her 40’s. When she was in her 70’s, she survived cancer. When she was in her 80’s, she survived being run over by a car on Durango’s Main Street. All the while, dealing with the day-to-day challenges of running a ranch. There were few obstacles she did not overcome.

Sue was born on Nov 24, 1927, to Arvil and Jennie Brown. She grew up on their homestead on the Florida Mesa. She attended CSU and majored in Nutrition and Home Economics. At CSU, she met her husband Loyd Hess. They married and started their family of 5 children in Manitou Springs. When her father could no longer ranch, they moved back to the family’s Florida Mesa ranch where she and Loyd lived the remainder of their lives. Sue was an avid reader and was actively involved in the Colorado Cattlewomen’s Association serving in many several statewide offices including president. She and her family were active with local 4H clubs, and she was a dependable supporter during the local county fair livestock auctions.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Loyd. She is survived by their five children Linda (Mark), Dennis, Alton (Lynne), Lorna (Ernest), and Richard (Joy), 11 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. Due to Covid restrictions, no public funeral services will be held. In lieu of flowers or similar, please consider supporting either the LaPlata County Cowbells’ Scholarship or the Mercy Health Foundation, Hospice of Mercy IMO Sue Hess.

Her family is extremely grateful to her amazing group of nurses and caregivers who took care of Sue, providing wonderful medical care and friendship.

Services will be announced held at a later date.