Marilyn 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" & Hazel F. (Price) Diegel.  Marilyn's mother passed away on

her 4th 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, 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,

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 brother, Max Hesse and his parents: 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 had worked at the 

Motor Inn Restaurant in Mercer, and retired from Huffy Bicycles in 1999.

She spent 2 different stints at Huffy's in between raising her children, for

a total of 27 years of service with the company.

Marilyn was a member of the Mendon United Methodist Church, and after

her marriage, joined the Hamilton-Bethel United Methodist Church.

Dick and Marilyn had owned racehorses, 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 Hamilton-

Bethel United Methodist Church, near Mendon, with Pastors Kyle Houts and

Randy Christian officiating.   

Burial will follow at the Hamilton-Bethel Church Cemetery.

Calling Hours are from 3:00 to 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 shared with Marilyn's family at:

Dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.