Ellen Susan (McVey) Hess, 87, of Lawrence died February 1, 2026 at home.
Susie was born October 3, 1938 in Iola, the daughter of Kenneth Barlett and Velma Lee (Manbeck) McVey. She grew up in Moran and graduated from Humboldt High School in 1957. On October 5, 1957 she married Robert “Bob” Henry Hess at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Humboldt. They were married for 68 years.
They initially lived in Fort Scott and moved to Lawrence in 1958. She and Bob opened Bob’s Bernina Sewing and Vacuum Center in Holiday Plaza in December 1980. They sold the business in 2010 and retired at that time.
She is survived by sons Michael (Kathleen) and Mark (Ty Fuller) of Lawrence; granddaughter Gretchen Hess; three grandsons Scott Fuller, Seth Fuller and Spencer Fuller; sister Renae Lewis (Robert) of Orlando, FL; and brother Paul McVey (Corinne) of New Smyrna Beach, FL.
Susie was preceded in death by her husband Bob, who died on January 4, 2026; her parents; her stepmother Evelyn Lamar (Muldoon) McVey; her brother David McVey and her sister Lora Lee Cyphers; and infant sons Timothy and Patrick.
On Thursday, February 5th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, there will be a visitation and rosary at Rumsey-Yost funeral home. Burial will be in St. Joseph cemetery in Humboldt on Friday February 6th at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association. Susie’s family is very appreciative of the excellent care she received from the VNA during her illness.
Susie and Bob were amazing people! They helped me
With sewing machines throughout the years. Strength and comfort in the comfort days.
Mike and Kathy sorry to hear of the death of your mother, may you find comfort from the caring actions and words of family and friends from near and far.
Mike and family—I enjoyed your Mom and Dad for a number of years! I appreciated them every time I walked in to “Bob’s Bernina”! I missed your Dad’s recent passing so I send double hugs to you and your family! I hold special memories of them both!🥰
I was very sorry to hear that Bob and Susie passed on recently. I was Susie’s doctor for many decades and enjoyed evert bit of it. Bob would always come along. It was a joy to talk with them both. We all three had Southeastern Kansas routes which probably made us so close. They loved their Mexican ” vacations”. I remember meeting Bob and asking about the picture he had behind the desk in his office. I was surprised when he said it was the family farm around LaHarpe since I grew up in Iola. Both were good people and will be missed. Jerry Pees