Lisa Y. Storz

Lisa Y. Storz, 63, of Cuba, Missouri, passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at her home.
Lisa Yvonne Essman was born on August 19, 1961, in Washington, Missouri, to Bearl and Eunice Essman. Growing up in Bourbon, Missouri, Lisa attended Bourbon schools and was a proud graduate of the Bourbon High School, class of 1979. Shortly after her graduation, Lisa was united in marriage to Lester Storz on March 8, 1980. Their union was blessed with the birth of their son, Ryan, who would become the center of Lisa's world.
Lisa's professional life began with her role as a waitress at the Onondaga Cave restaurant while still a teenager. Her career path led her through various positions in the hospitality industry, including Green's Short Stop and De Geare's Country Kitchen, before she became the assistant manager of KFC. Lisa then found a new opportunity at Paramount Apparel's embroidery department for a short time.
It was during her time at Paramount that Lisa was presented with a life-changing proposition by C. Dale Murphy, who saw her potential and asked if she was ready for a career change. This marked the beginning of Lisa's remarkable 34-year career with Peoples Bank. She started as a loan processor, advanced to a loan officer, and ultimately became the esteemed Branch Manager/Vice President of the Main Branch of People's Bank. Lisa's warmth, integrity, and commitment to service won her the love and respect of countless individuals, helping many achieve their dreams through her diligent work.
Though Lisa and Lester would later divorce, she continued to raise Ryan as a single mother, a testament to her strength and resilience. In 2012, love blossomed anew when Lisa began dating Mark Hilse. The two became inseparable companions, creating cherished memories through vacations to Florida, visits to Colorado, and serving together at The Ridge Church of Sullivan. The couple planned to unite in marriage in the summer of this year.
Lisa's faith was a cornerstone of her life. Saved and baptized at an early age at the First Baptist Church of Bourbon, she lived her life as a reflection of Christ's love. Her kindness and generosity knew no bounds, and she had a unique gift for seeing the good in others and embracing them, flaws and all.
A devoted family woman, Lisa cherished her weekly gatherings with her mother and sisters, where they would catch up and share meals together. Her love extended to her grandchildren, Luke and Ruby, who brought great joy to her life. Lisa also shared a special bond with her son Ryan from their playful banter to their mutual love and compassion for animal rescues.
Lisa's legacy is one of love, service, and an unshakeable belief in the goodness of people. She never met a stranger and was always the first to offer a helping hand or a comforting word. Her ability to connect with others and her dedication to her family and community will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Lisa is survived by her loving son, Ryan Storz and wife Andrea of Sullivan, Missouri; two grandchildren: Luke and Ruby Storz of Sullivan, Missouri; her fiancé, Mark Hilse of Cuba, Missouri; her mother, Eunice Essman of Bourbon, Missouri; two sisters, Michele Valley and husband Rod of Bourbon, Missouri and Christine Campbell and husband John of Bourbon, Missouri; her nephews and nieces: Matthew Campbell of Bourbon, Missouri, Tareva Campbell of Saint Louis, Missouri, Trista Koch and husband Colton of Sullivan, Missouri and Tyler Valley of Bourbon, Missouri; Mark Hilse's two sons, Adam Hilse and wife Courtney and their daughters, Kyndahl and Kaelyn of Cape Girardeau, Missouri and Eric Hilse of Denver, Colorado; other relatives and countless friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Bearl Essman; two children in infancy; and her precious furry companions, Gracie, Mia, Buddy and Lucy.
Funeral Services will be 11 AM, Saturday, February 1, 2025 at The Ridge Church of Sullivan with Pastor Matt Dudley officiating. Interment will follow at the Bourbon Cemetery in Bourbon, Missouri.
Visitation will be 4 – 8 PM, Friday, January 31, 2025 at The Ridge Church of Sullivan. Additional hours of visitation will be 9 – 11 AM, Saturday, February 1, 2025 prior to the funeral service.
Friends may send their online condolences to Lisa's family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations to Luke and Ruby's college fund at Peoples Bank would honor Lisa's love for education and her grandchildren.
All arrangements are under the direction and care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.