Mary Frances Heiney

Mrs. Mary Frances (Batchelor) Heiney, 89 of Buchanan, MI passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2017 in Grand Rapids, MI at Clark Retirement Community after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. She was born May 28, 1928 in Niles, MI the daughter of Newton Wyman Batchelor and Marjorie Frances (Phillips) Batchelor. Mary was a devoted wife married to her loving husband Robert (Bob) Heiney for nearly 70 years. She graduated from Buchanan High School in 1947.  Mary held various jobs within the Buchanan community but her most memorable were as a Media Aide for H.C. Stark Elementary School library from which she retired after 17+ years. During retirement, Mary enjoyed exploring 49 of the 50 states, pulling an Airstream trailer through many of the state and national parks in the US and Canada with relatives and friends. Mary was a loving, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, always putting others before herself. She had the most generous heart and touched many lives with her presence, through her service and volunteerism. She is survived by her husband, Bob, her children, Linda (Jim) Munro of Suttons Bay, MI, Rob (Darcy) Heiney of Saint Joseph, MI and Chuck (Amy) Heiney of Grand Rapids, MI; grandchildren: Christopher (Keri), Andrew (Spenser), Eric, Elliott, Claire, and Will and three great-grandchildren: Myla, Ella and Bennett. She is also survived by four sisters, Betty Ashton, Charlotte Burkett, Margaret Aalfs, Kay Swank and two brothers, Jim Batchelor and Dennis Batchelor as well as many, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings George Wyman Batchelor, Joyce Polega and Nancy Eileen Vite. Mary enjoyed many activities throughout her lifetime. She was a passionate gardener, sharing her labor and love for her flower gardens with many. She was a talented seamstress, needle-pointer, and quilter. She was also the craftiest one of her siblings; being Pinterest before Pinterest existed. Mary was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Buchanan, where she loved singing in the choir and giving a willing hand to whatever task might be needed. Mary and Bob moved to Clark Retirement Community in 2015 where she continued her dynamic faithful service and volunteerism. She became beloved in her new home away from home. She positively impacted others who crossed her path wherever she went. She was loved and will be missed by many. A service celebrating Mary’s life will be held on Thursday August 31st at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church Buchanan with Pastor Rob McPherson officiating. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, Buchanan, MI; Emmanuel Hospice of Grand Rapids, MI or Clark Retirement Community, Grand Rapids, MI. Those wishing to leave a condolence or sign the guest book online may do so at www.swemchapel.com The family gathered earlier at Oak Ridge Cemetery for Private graveside services.