Judith "Judy" Ann (Jess) Hines, 81, of Ankeny, passed away on November 6, 2026, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, after a courageous battle with cancer. Her family takes great comfort in knowing that just months earlier, she fulfilled a long-held dream: a heritage trip to Normandy, France, and Fehmarn, Germany, with 16 of the family members she loved dearly.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Friday, November 13, 2026 at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd). A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Ankeny United Church of Christ (602 SE Delaware Ave, Ankeny). The service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@ankenyunitedchurch or https://www.facebook.com/ankenyucc

Interment will take place at a later date at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, where Judy will be laid to rest beside Linne.

Judy was born on April 26, 1945, in Denison, Iowa, to Harwin Otto and Dorothy Ann (Maas) Jess. The third of five children, she grew up in the Charter Oak and Schleswig area. She graduated from Charter Oak-Ute High School in 1963 and went on to attend Morningside College in Sioux City. She sang in the choir and joined Alpha Delta Pi. Music was one of the great joys of her life, particularly in her younger years. Her dearest friend, Nancy, will tell you that if you want to know how Judy sounded, put on Julie London's "Misty."

It was at Morningside that her brother Jim introduced her to Maurice "Linne" Hines. Judy later attended Elmhurst College in Illinois and earned her degree in education. On December 23, 1966, Judy married her college sweetheart, Linne, while he was home on leave from the U.S. Army, and later joined him as he completed his service. Judy and Linne purchased their Ankeny home in 1973 and raised three children, Jennifer, Bradon, and Kenton.

From 1989 to 2011, Judy served as a Regional Director for the United Way, managing the Ankeny Service Center. Every campaign season found her working tirelessly, and she was most proud of connecting businesses and volunteers with the people who needed them. She stretched her community to see how it could help every person to be seen and loved. In 2001, the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce named her its Outstanding Citizen of the Year. After her years at United Way, she worked with the Polk County Bar Association, connecting individuals in need of pro bono legal help with volunteer attorneys, before retiring.

Judy was a devoted member of her church, Ankeny United Church of Christ. She served as church board moderator and as a deacon. She started the church's annual silent service during the holiday season, helped plan it for years after, and volunteered wherever she was needed.

Judy loved to travel. She explored Europe with her brothers and sister-in-law Jim, Joel, and Tammy, including Fehmarn, an important place in the family's heritage. She visited Jim in Hawaii many times, toured Ireland with her friend Mary, and joined Mary on an Alaskan cruise to enjoy the Gaither Vocal Band. She and Linne shared a memorable trip to San Francisco, and over the years she made countless trips to see family. This summer, she brought the family she loved back to Fehmarn to relive her adventures there, and finally saw Normandy, a place she knew Linne, who loved history and honoring veterans, would have treasured.

Nothing mattered more to Judy than her grandchildren. She was in the stands and in the audience for their games, concerts, and anything else they played a part in. She turned each event into a little celebration with malts and treats. She took them to plays and Broadway shows in Des Moines, eager to expand their horizons and share her love of music.

Judy's love language was gifts, and her family is fairly certain TJ Maxx identified her as the very first Maxxinista. The greatest gift she gave though, was her love. It leaves a legacy each of us takes pride in carrying forward, just as Jesus taught: love passionately and unconditionally, no matter what.

Judy is survived by her children, Jennifer Street (fiancé Phil Gates), Bradon (Sarah) Hines, and Kenton (Ashley) Hines, all of Ankeny; her grandchildren, Joey (Megan) Street, Elle Street, Matthew Hines, Nathan Hines, Aiden Washabaugh, Liam Washabaugh, Camden Hines, and Grady Hines; her great-granddaughter, Ivy Street; her brother, Joel (Tammy) Jess of Pekin, Illinois; her dearest friend, Nancy Pingle and her daughters, Christine, Kathy, and Stephanie; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 39 years, Maurice "Linne" Hines, in 2005; her parents, Harwin and Dorothy Jess; her sisters, Jacquline Powell and Jennifer Jess; her brother, James "Jim" Jess; her brother-in-law, Kirwin Powell; her sister-in-law, Jan Jess; and Nancy's late husband, Dennis Pingle, a dear friend to Linne.

Memorials may be directed to Ankeny United Church of Christ and Above + Beyond Cancer.