Obituary for Sondra L. Hesse

Sondra L. Hesse 82

of Dunkirk

Sondra L. Hesse of Dunkirk, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at 82 years of age. Born in Celina, Ohio, Sondra was one of four children – the only daughter — born to the late Vincent and Pauline (Poor) Brookhart. She graduated atop her class at Mendon Union High School, where she met her husband of 61 years, Dale Hesse, who preceded her in death in 2019. Sondra was also preceded in death by her beloved brother, Terry Brookhart. She is survived by brothers; Victor Brookhart and Randy (Beth) Brookhart, son; Kevin (Deb) Hesse of Phoenix, AZ, daughter; Lisa (Tim) Shepherd of Forest, OH, grandchildren; Jeniffer (Martin) Jones, Erin Martin, Sarah (Hesse) Jorgensen, Alex Hesse, Morgan Shepherd, and six great-grandchildren.

Sondra enjoyed a 30-year career as the Office Manager at Terra (formerly Sohigro). She made lifelong friends in the farming community and was known for greeting everyone with a toothy grin and a hot cup of coffee. In addition to working those long harvest-season hours at the plant, Sondra was an active member of the community. Over the years she served as a Boy Scout Leader, PTO Member, Kindergarten classroom aide, and member of the Dola Mothers Club. An avid reader and promoter of literacy, she served on the Hardin Northern Public Library Board for many years and could often be found shelving books and pitching in wherever help was needed.

But the real story, the only one that Sondra would care to be remembered for, is in how much she loved her family. Anyone who knew her knew that Sondra was happiest when she was spending time with her family. Her love language was baking, she would never say no to a board game, and she found joy in feeding any and every mouth that happened to be around at mealtime. Sondra’s gift was making everyone feel loved and cared for, something her friends, family, and especially her children and grandchildren will remember and miss about her every day.

The family is planning to hold a joint celebration of life honoring both Sondra and Dale in early Summer. The Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sondra’s name to the Hardin Northern Public Library in Dunkirk.

Online condolences may be expressed at pricefh.net