Sally Lou Heiss

Sally Lou Heiss (Chapman) was born to Delmont Lansing Jr. and Irene Marie (Braun) Chapman of Monroe, Michigan on September 6, 1942. Sally’s childhood on her family’s historical homestead and sheep farm, taught her the life lessons of hard work, family pride and deep and lasting love. Although she was a hardworking farm girl, Sally possessed a natural beauty and elegance. Her warm smile welcomed and comforted all those she encountered. Her two older brothers, Delmont and Robert, taught her how to roll with the punches and cherished and protected their younger sister. Sally was involved in 4-H showing sheep and steers, learned the domestic arts of cooking, sewing and caring for a family. She could go from mucking a stall in work boots and jeans to modeling her 4-H sewing project in heels. She carried out the important lessons she learned from her parents of social, political and charitable involvement. The number of volunteer hours that she gave during her life are uncomputable. One of her greatest strengths was never being able to say no to those who needed help. She always made time, and could juggle life’s duties miraculously. Yet forever close to Sally’s heart was her one and only, William Heiss. High school sweethearts, their love began in a high school band room with a box of chocolates that Bill slipped into her band case. On June 27, 1964, they celebrated their love at South Rockwood United Methodist Church. Although they encountered car trouble on the way to the Smokey Mountains for their honeymoon, the newlyweds made the most of it, just as they did throughout their 42 years of marriage. Sally was a wonderful wife and supported her husband’s career with a move up to Houghton Lake where she she taught nursing school while Bill completed his degree in Forestry. Sally and Bill shared a love for nature and all the colorful beauty it holds. They passed on this love to their two daughters, Jodie and Jill, with camping, and fishing trips. Her artist talent was seen in her drawings, beautiful penmanship, arts and crafts and lovely floral arrangements. She made a good home for their family where faith was the center of their life together. Even though she was a busy career woman she would drop everything to be a her children's’ sides. She was a wonderful grandmother who always made every visit, hug, meal and holiday a special event. Her grandchild have been blessed with her words of encouragement and pride in all their accomplishments and interests. Having obtained a B.S. in nursing from her beloved Michigan State University, Sally pour herself into her nursing vocation. For 27 years, she served as director of the Manistee and Mason County Health Departments. She made her dream of owning her own business come true and opened Yesterday’s Garden, a floral design shop. As a woman of faith, Sally taught Sunday school for many years as a longtime member of United Methodist Church in Manistee, Michigan. Most recently, St. John Lutheran Church in Briceton, Ohio was her church home. For several years, she was the backbone of St. John’s Lutheran Church’s vacation bible school. She loved sharing the word of God with children and seeing their smiling faces and hearing their joyful bible school singing. She enjoyed the many hours that she spent planning and working with her fellow church members. She and Bill always said that they were blessed with such a loving and giving church family. Sally was a tried and true Michigan State Spartan fan!!! Her boisterous cheering at the television during sporting events will be missed. Through her kind, caring, and compassionate nature, Sally found herself blessed beyond compare. Her family was her greatest joy, and helping others was truly her calling. A true and faithful servant of the Lord, she now rest in the arms of her Lord and Savior. Never to be forgotten are the wonderful memories Sally leaves behind.

Sally Lou Heiss, 74, of Payne, Ohio passed away Monday, March 6, 2017 at Vancrest of Payne. She will be sadly missed by her daughters, Jodie (Jay) Schmidt, Payne,
OH and Jill (Lee) Miller, Rockford, MI; brother, Robert (Shirley) Chapman of South Rockwood, MI; sister-in-law, Diane (Terry) Brey of Flatrock, MI; grandchildren, Emma and Joe Schmidt, and Kate and Grace Miller. Sally was preceded in death by her husband, William Donald Heiss on January 14, 2006; her brother, Delmont Chapman; and by her grandson, Wesley Miller.

The funeral service for Sally will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 10, 2017 at St. John Lutheran Church-Briceton, 7616 CR 87, Paulding, Ohio, with viewing one hour prior. Viewing
will also be held Thursday from 4-8 PM at Dooley Funeral Home, 5761 SR 500, Payne, Ohio.

She will be laid to rest at Saint Paul Cemetery.

Memorials made be directed to the church.

To share a fond memory or photo of Sally and to sign her online guest book, please visit www.dooleyfuneralhome.com.