Mary Heeter

St. Joseph, MI – Mary Eleanor Heeter, 99, of St. Joseph, MI, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 10, 2010 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 13 , 2010 at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 404 E. Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, MI. The visitation will be held an hour prior to the service. The arrangements are with Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd. – St. Joseph, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church or the Benton Harbor Elks Lodge 544. Mary was born to Louis and Ida (Nye) Toush on February 15, 1911 in St. Joseph, MI. Mary is survived by her daughters, Jerry (Jack) Mucia of Benton Harbor, Patricia (James) Podjan of St. Joseph and Kathy Overton of Berrien Springs. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jack (Shari) Mucia, Jr., Deborah (Steve) Grammel, Scott (Diane) Mucia, Jennifer (Gene) Fowler, Suzie (Joe) Ehrenberg, James (Jenna) Podjan II, Julie Fernandez and Shannon Overton and 14 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Ida, husband, James and her sister, Wilma Shoup. Mary was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and has now gone home to be with her Lord. She was a past member of the Kappa Theta Chi Sorority and a volunteer at Mercy Hospital. Mary retired from the Herald Palladium in 1976 with 25 years of service. She married James Heeter in 1982. They made their home in Sister Lakes on Big Crooked Lake. They enjoyed winters in Florida, dancing and playing cards with friends. Mary enjoyed shopping with her daughters and her dear friend Ruth, reading, spending time with her family, and ice cream. After her husband's passing she resided at the Heritage Village in St. Joseph where she enjoyed the friendship of the residents and staff. When Mary wasn't able to attend church on Sunday she truly appreciated the visits, prayers, and songs from the ministers. Mary could be found on Friday nights at the Benton Harbor Elks having dinner with her family and friends. The secret to her longevity came from the loving care of her whole family and especially the dedication of her granddaughter Suzie. She will be truly missed by everyone. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.