LaRita M. Hesse, 89, of Ft. Madison, passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 9:36 AM at the Kensington.
She was born on April 22, 1935 in Ft. Madison to Harold and Loretta Luegering LeHew. LaRita married William Harland Bolton, Sr. and they later divorced. She then married Bernard B. Hesse IV on November 24, 1982 in Ft. Madison and he passed away on April 12, 2023. In her early years LaRita worked at AT & T, Auge’s Flower Shop which she and her husband Bill owned, Dodd Printing, the Colony Shop and the Greenhouse and Flower cottage for several years. LaRita enjoyed doing puzzles, working with flowers, sewing, her blingy jewelry and shoes and giraffes. She always had a cup of coffee in her hand and everyone knew it was hers with her lipstick ring on it. LaRita was very involved with Beautification of Old Settlers Park, the Christmas Tour of Homes, the Parade of Lights and the Soroptimist Club for several years. Most of all, LaRita loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Survivors include three daughters, Trina Montanez of Tucson, AZ; Franchelle Cox of Ft. Madison, IA and Cozette (Pat) Drapeau of Phoenix, AZ; two sons, Bill (Kristine Barras) Bolton of Katy, TX and Craig (Michelle) Bolton of Tempe, AZ; seven grandchildren and one great grandson; one step daughter, D.J. (Les) Weisbrod of Dallas, TX; one step son, Bernard (Melanie) Hesse V of Rowlett, TX; two brothers, Mike LeHew of Phoenix, AZ and Phil LeHew of Sun City, AZ; one sister, Maribeth Myers of Phoenix, AZ; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother Don LeHew and her husband Bernie.
The family will meet with friends from 4-6 PM on Monday, June 17, 2024 at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10 AM at King-Lynk Funeral Home with Pastor Dave Poland officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for Old Settler’s Park Association and online condolences may be left at www.kinglynk.com
