Marilyn Patricia Hesse, age 91, of rural Mendon, passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

She was born September 30, 1934, in Mendon, to the late Luster W. "Bussie" and Hazel F. (Price) Diegel. Her mother passed away on her fourth birthday in 1938, and she was raised by her father and her aunt Margaret Fent.

Marilyn and Richard W. "Dick" Hesse were married on December 27, 1958, in Van Wert, and he preceded her in death June 5, 2017.

Surviving are their children: daughter, Glenna (Bruce) Schmidt of Celina and son, Galen (Tonya) Hesse of Mendon, 5 grandchildren: Bryce Schmidt, Brock (Daija) Schmidt, Rachel (Spencer) Heinl, Taylor Hesse and Ryan Hesse, great grandchildren: Leighton Schmidt, Jace Heinl, Joel Heinl, Cole Heinl and Rian Schmidt, step-great grandchildren: Dajaun, Peyton and Davy, and a sister-in -law, Melanie Hesse of Celina, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her brothers: John Diegel, Ganell (Irma) Diegel, and Dillon (Beverly) Diegel, Dick's family: brother: Max Hesse, and parents-in-law: Harry & Isalena (Davis) Hesse.

Marilyn was raised along with her cousins, the late Bill (Evelyn) Fent and Charlie (Betty) Fent, who were like brothers to her. A 1953 graduate of Mendon-Union High School, Marilyn worked at the Motor Inn Restaurant in Mercer and spent two stints working at Huffy Manufacturing in between raising her children. She retired in 1999 after a total of 27 years at Huffy's.

Marilyn was a member of Mendon Methodist Church and after her marriage, joined the Hamilton-Bethel United Methodist Church. Dick and Marilyn had owned race horses and raced at local fairs and various tracks. Their horse, "Quetzal" also known as "Charlie", was an outstanding racehorse known in the area. Marilyn was also a former member of the Mercer County Harness Horsemen's Association. Most important to Marilyn was her family, spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 7th, at the Hamilton-Bethel United Methodist Church, with Pastors Kyle Houts and Pastor Randy Christian officiating. Burial will follow at Hamilton-Bethel Cemetery.

Calling Hours are from 3:00 - 8:00 PM Wednesday, May 6th, at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Mendon, and an hour prior to services on Thursday at the church.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hamilton-Bethel United Methodist Church or the Mendon Fire Department.

Condolences can be expressed to Marilyn's family at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of W.H. Dick & Sons - Hellwarth Funeral Home, Mendon.