Mary Ann (Springer) Heiser

Mary Ann Heiser, 94, of Champaign passed away at Accolade Health Care in Paxton on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

She was born on Aug. 11, 1929, in Hopedale to Elmer and Amanda (Sutter) Springer. On March 5, 1949, she married Harold Heiser, from Fisher at Hopedale Mennonite Church. He preceded her in death in March 6, 2021.

Mary Ann graduated from Hopedale High School in 1947 and then worked at State Farm Insurance in Bloomington. Mary Ann was a dedicated farmer's wife, a loving parent, grandparent and great-grandparent. She also found time to be a head cook at the Fisher Grade School.

In retirement, Mary Ann was involved with the Fisher Senior Citizens, the Fisher Fair and as a penpal for many years with RSVP. She and Harold volunteered at the Ten Thousand Villages store in Champaign for over 25 years They both enjoyed collecting antiques and going to garage sales. She was a member of East Bend Mennonite Church. While there, she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was an amazing quilter and was involved with the women's sewing circle.

After moving to Champaign in 2007, she and Harold attended First Mennonite Church in Urbana. They enjoyed making new friends over coffee at McDonald’s. She loved to cook, entertain and make delicious pies. She loved family gatherings, playing cards, making cross stich quilts and attending sporting events.

She is survived by a brother, Arlis Springer of Hopedale and a sister-in-law, Patty Springer of Hopedale. She is survived by her children, Rodney (Sandy) of Champaign, Josie (Myron) Bollman of Granger, Ind., and Kate Falk of Urbana; five grandchildren, Kelli (Jason) Ball of Midlothian, Va., Emily (Joe) Buller of Maumee, Ohio, Andrew (Erin) Bollman of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Rob (Jade) Huizenga of Frankfort and Tyler (Lydette Assefa) Falk of Indianapolis; and ten great-grandchildren, Michael and Hannah Ball, Ella, Amelia and Lila Bollman, Reese Campbell, Ashlyn, Ivy and Lily Huizenga and Zema Falk.

She was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother, Anna (Stalter) Springer; her brothers and sisters, Gerry (Wayne) Zehr, Lester (Neva) Springer, Evelyn (Leroy) Ingold and Melvin Springer; and sister-in-law, Linda Springer.

A private family burial will be held in East Bend Mennonite Memorial Gardens. A gathering will be held at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 East Grove, Rantoul Monday, July 22, from 5 to 6 p.m.

A special thanks to Accolade of Pells St. and Transitions Hospice for the care and concern they showed to our mother.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mennonite Central Committee, a worldwide relief agency of the Mennonite Church, at donate.mcc.org. Donations may also be made to East Bend Mennonite Church or First Mennonite Church.