Ann M. Hess, age 65, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on October 29, 2025, at home while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Ann’s life, a private family burial will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, IA.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Ann’s family.

Ann was born on May 10, 1960, in Dubuque, IA, one of ten children to Allen and Helen (Bodish) Vrotsos.  Ann was gifted with a spirit of courage and a warrior’s heart from a young age.  She spent the majority of her life here among us doing her best to make the world a better place where and when she could.  She spent most of her working career, almost 35 years, in retail sharing her time and talents at Sibbing’s Jewelry, Vrotsos Jewelry, and eventually retired from Sears in 2014.  But, her service wasn’t complete yet as Ann went on to invest another 10 years with Iowa Legal Aide.  She helped countless folks in our community and made many friends along the way, especially her “Fishbowl Margarita” partners in crime.  Ann always gave more than she took and the boundaries of her heart were undeniably endless.

Ann always understood that life required balance to truly be a joyful one.  Her work life only came in second to her devotion to her family.  She loved and adored her children more than life itself.  Whether she was working on her next delicious meal to nurture their growing bodies, or sharing her insights and wisdom when she could, Ann was always leading by example and trusting that her love and lessons were both being listened to, witnessed and understood.  In her free-time, Ann enjoyed spending a little time trying her luck at the casino when time allowed, but for those who knew her best, cuddling up with her favorite feline companions was undeniably her happy place.  And who can forget her annual participation in the “Over The Edge” fundraiser for the United Way.  The world is truly a lesser place without Ann’s love and light shining among us.  May the legacy and memories she leaves behind help to comfort the broken hearts of all who knew and loved her and may her earthly health battles be all but a distant memory as she begins her eternal journey while waiting patiently to see her loved ones precious faces once again. POB for now!

Those left to cherish the memory of Ann include,

her five adored children,
Christina (T.J. Stapleton III) Berger, Dubuque, IA,
Vega (Kendra) Rohwedder, Dubuque, IA,
David Berger, Dubuque, IA,
Elaina Hess, Dubuque, IA,
and Henry (Sierra) Hess, Dubuque, IA;

her ten grandchildren,
Alexis (Daniel) Basten, Isabelle Stapleton, Romyn Stapleton, T.J. Stapleton, Fable Stapleton, Teddy Stapleton IV, Gabe Stapleton, Alaina Dennison, Darcy Gallaher and Bria Hess;

her three great-grandchildren,
Ryker Basten, Benny Basten, and Ronnie “Jr.” Clark;

her seven siblings,
Mary Smith, Chicago, IL,
Christine Davis, Galena, IL,
Marc (Linda) Vrotsos, Ozarks, MO,
Don (Juli) Vrotsos, Dubuque, IA,
Blaise (Ann) Vrotsos, Dubuque, I,a
Paul (Don) Vrotsos, Greece,
and Peter Vrotsos, Chicago, IL;

her two sisters-in-law,
Mary Jo Vrotsos, LaMotte, IA,
and Debbie Vrotsos, Omaha, NE;

along with numerous extended family, friends and neighbors.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her two brothers, John Vrotsos and Curt Vrotsos; and her two brothers-in-law, Michael Smith and William Davis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ann’s name to Hospice of Dubuque and Iowa Legal Aide.

Ann’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Ann’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com