Mary Elizabeth Heiman

Mary Elizabeth Heiman, 98, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024. Born on March 7, 1926, in Atchison, Kansas, to Marie and William Hessel, Mary Elizabeth graduated from Redemptorist High School in 1943 and later earned a degree from Avila University (formerly The College of St. Teresa) in 1947.

Mary Elizabeth spent ten years working at Geisel Grain Co. before meeting Harold F. Heiman in 1950. They were married on October 13, 1951, and shared a loving marriage of 60 years until Harold’s passing on April 16, 2012. Mary Elizabeth continued to live independently for ten years after his death before moving to Brookdale Senior Living.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Mary Elizabeth was also known for her deep commitment to community service. She was an active volunteer and a strong supporter of Avila University, Rockhurst High School, Rockhurst College, and the Boy Scouts. As a founding member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Kansas City, she was involved in various ministries and was a long-time member of the Ladies of Charity. Her volunteer work at Seton Center and her roles as a room mother and den mother in Scouts were a testament to her caring spirit and dedication to others.

Mary Elizabeth’s love for her family and her faith in God were at the center of her life. She and Harold spent many joyful years at their lake home at the Lake of the Ozarks, where their family created lasting memories. Mary Elizabeth loved to host grand family celebrations—whether for birthdays, Christmas, or Easter—always with beautiful table settings and fine silverware. A passionate bridge player, she spent many happy years with her close-knit group of friends, and the New Year’s Eve parties she hosted with them lasted more than five decades.

Although Mary Elizabeth only had one dog, Muffy, she adored her grand-dogs: Harley, Bud, KC, and Sid. Her legacy is one of love, faith, and devotion to family and community. She instilled these values in all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

Mary Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harold, and her son John. She is survived by her children: Bill (JoAnn) of Lenexa, KS; Terry (Rebby) of Kansas City, MO; Greg (Linda) of Kansas City, MO; and Kevin (Deb) of Junction City, KS. She was a proud grandmother to Stephanie Ridgway (Bruce), Paul Heiman, Amy Gamble-Martin (Victor), Benjamin Heiman, Sean Heiman, Erin Staton (David), Ian Heiman, Zach Heiman, Jessie LeMay (Austin), August Heiman, Dylan Heiman, and Rose Heiman. She was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: Kinsley Ridgway, Damien Heiman, and Ewan Gamble.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Saturday, December 21st, at 11822 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO. The Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 AM, followed by visitation. The Mass will begin at 11:00 AM, with burial at Mount Moriah Cemetery to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Avila University (www.avila.edu/alumni/give) or St. Thomas More Catholic Church.

Mary Elizabeth’s warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith will remain in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.