Maureen Audrey Ryan Hess, our sweet mother, grandmother, and guiding angel, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2026. She has now been reunited in heaven with her lifelong partner and beloved husband, Ralph Hess, who passed away two summers ago. Together again, they continue to watch over the family they built and loved so dearly.

Born and raised on the East Side of Milwaukee, Maureen was a bright light from the very beginning. She was an exceptionally talented student who took great pride in her straight A’s—an achievement she playfully but proudly reminded her family of throughout her life. Her determination and intellect allowed her to graduate early and put herself through college.

It was during her college years that Maureen met the love of her life, Ralph. Upon graduation, she immediately stepped into the classroom at just 21 years old to begin her professional career as a High School English teacher. Soon after, she and Ralph married, quickly beginning the journey of building their beautiful family together.

While she eventually stepped away from the high school classroom to raise her three children—John, Jim, and Kristin—Maureen’s entrepreneurial and teaching spirit never faded. She co-owned a successful neighborhood pre-school with her great friend Marion Wollerman for several years, all while maintaining her lifelong passion for music. A talented pianist, she taught lessons from her teenage years into her fifties, filling the Hess home with music and life from Monday through Thursday as a steady stream of neighborhood children came through after school.

Maureen was a master of managing a bustling household. No matter how busy the days were, she somehow always had dinner prepared and ready by the time Ralph returned from work and the kids came home from their various sporting activities.

Beyond her busy daily routine, Maureen shared a deep passion for creating beautiful spaces alongside Ralph. The two absolutely loved to decorate and re-decorate their own houses, turning each one into a warm and welcoming home. This love for design extended generously to their children; Maureen and Ralph were always the first to show up whenever their kids moved, eagerly helping them transition into new spaces and lending their creative eyes to decorate their children's new homes.

Though she didn't play sports growing up, Maureen more than made up for it as an adult. She became an avid athlete and a vibrant member of her community, forging deep, lifelong friendships on the tennis courts at the Western Racquet Club and on the golf courses at Bluemound & Terravita Country Clubs.

Maureen was a remarkable woman who wore many titles with grace: a dedicated daughter, a loving sister, a loyal friend, a nurturing mother, a proud aunt, a doting grandma, and, as Ralph always said, the absolute best wife. Her warmth, generosity, and love touched countless lives, leaving behind an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.

Maureen is survived by her loving children: her son John Hess (Margaret) of Scottsdale, AZ; her son Jim Hess (Jennifer) of Nashville, TN; and her daughter Kristin Hess of Scottsdale, AZ. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Jacob Hess and Catherine Hess (children of John and Margaret), and Jordan Hess and Jensen Hess (children of Jim and Jennifer).

She is further survived by her beloved brother, John Ryan, and his wife, Cindy; her two nephews David Ryan (Laura) and Jack Ryan (Molly) and niece Anne Ryan Nolan (Patrick); and seven great-nieces and nephews who brought immense joy to her life. Maureen was preceded in death by her cherished grandson, Jameson Hess.

A private, family-only funeral mass to celebrate Maureen's life will be held on October 23, 2026, in Carefree, Arizona.

To honor Maureen's legacy and her fierce love for her family, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation (lymphoma.org) in celebration of her daughter Kristin’s hard-fought journey and current remission. Alternatively, contributions can be made to the collection box at your local church, reflecting Maureen and Ralph’s deeply rooted belief that faith and family are what truly hold our communities together.

We will forever cherish the beautiful memories she gave us. God bless her soul.