Effie Heller 1929-2018
Effie Carolyn (Dean) Heller, 89, of Holton, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 at Medicalodges Jackson County after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
She was born Aug. 26, 1929, in Council Grove, the daughter of Elza Henry and Julia Ellen (Satchell) Dean. Effie graduated from Emporia High School in 1946 and attended the College of Emporia and then Emporia State University to obtain her Normal Teaching Certificate. At the age of 60, Effie obtained her Associate’s Degree from Highland Junior College.
On Oct. 23, 1949, she married Joseph H. Heller at Emporia, and together they raised six children on a farm southwest of Holton before he passed on Feb. 8, 1976.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Effie’s husband Joe earned his pilot’s license. On the weekends, Joe and Effie flew the Cessna aircraft numerous places, including Table Rock, Mo., Orlando, Fla. (to visit their daughter) as well as several locations in Colorado.
Effie was a very determined woman with many varied interests. Her careers include farming and stockman, owner and operator of Heller’s Truck Stop for many years, including her antique business. She worked for Jarboe’s Garden Spot south of Holton and she discovered later in life her passion for cartography and worked at the Jackson County Appraiser’s Office for many years.
She was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church, St. Dominic Altar Society, Banner Grange, Holton VFW Post 1367 Auxiliary, Friendship Club and Red Hats Society.
Effie is survived by her children, Susan “Gayle” (late Edward) Dunn of Holton, Patricia (David) Warnke of Sheboygan, Wisc., Wayne (Lori) of Independence, Julia (Ron) Kendall of Palm Coast, Fla., and Dru (Tony) Potter of Wichita; brother, George Dean of Emporia; sister-in-law, Novena Newman of Holton; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceded in death by her son, Charles Heller; grandson, Joey; an infant sister, Lucy; and her brother, Arden Dean.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Holton. Burial will follow in Holton Cemetery. A rosary will be recited at 5 p.m. Thursday at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton with visitation to follow until 7 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Holton Community Center Food Pantry or Holton Community Hospital Hospice, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
