Marie Heller

Avilla – Marie J. Heller, 106, of Avilla, passed away surrounded by her family at Ascension Sacred Heart Home in Avilla on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.  She was born on December 4, 1917, in Fountain, Colorado, to Samuel and Camilis (Childs) Askey.  Marie married Martin Heller on December 18, 1934, in Beaver City, Nebraska.  She was seamstress, enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and quilting, and gardening and canning.  She retired from Monsanto in 1973 after 14 years of service.  Marie was especially involved in her church, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Avilla.  She loved to work and help out around the day care and also belonged to the Ladies Aid group and Chancel Society. Marie was proud of her family – all six generations that she was blessed to witness.  Survivors include daughters, Billie Gienger of Avilla, Linda (Larry) Thiele of New Haven, and Annette Anglin of Kendallville.  Also surviving are 24 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, 45 great great grandchildren, 7 great great great grandchildren, and sister-in-law, Jean Heller of LaGrange.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Martin Heller; sons, Robert Heller and Lloyd Heller; granddaughter, Julie Heller; great granddaughter, Tracy Vanscoder; great grandson, Dante’ Turner; great great grandson, Franklin Anglin; son-in-law, Richard Gienger; and sisters, Phyllis Fredrick, Katherine Yates, and Betty Sanders.

A funeral service in honor of Marie will be held at 11am on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 111 W Albion St., Avilla, with visitation held from 9am to 11am at the church prior to services.  The Rev Patrick Kuhlman will officiate.  Burial will follow at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Avilla.  Contributions in Marie’s memory may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church, or Lloyd Heller Memorial Endowment Fund at Concordia High School.

To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, visit www.harperfuneralhomes.com

Care of the Heller family in care of Harper Funeral Homes, Avilla Chapel, 530 N Main St., Avilla.

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