Ellen Marie Heins

Ellen Marie Heins, our much-loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully October 14, 2021, at the age of 89. Her doctors would say it was the result of a heart attack, but her family knows it was of a broken heart from losing her best friend and husband of 68 years, Gordon Heins, on March 20, 2021. Ellen leaned into her faith, family and friends to find comfort during her grief, but the sadness and loss was too much. Ellen was the rock of this family. She supported and encouraged her husband through his career while raising 7 children. She had a kind and compassionate heart and worked hand in hand with Gordon to try to make this world and this community a little better. Ellen volunteered at the American Red Cross, Ella Sharp Museum and the Jackson District Library, to mention a few. She was awarded volunteer of the year by the Jackson Citizen Patriot. Ellen walked every day and was grateful for the Falling Waters Trail and our many beautiful trails. Our hearts are heavy, but we find comfort knowing she and our dad are reunited. Ellen was born and raised in Lansing, Iowa. After high school she moved to Milwaukee, WI. where she met and married Gordon.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband Gordon Heins, her parents Catherine (Whalen) and Edward Fitzgerald, and her brothers John and Carl Fitzgerald. Ellen is survived by her 7 children, 13 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren:

David (Cathy) Heins and their children, Nicole of Denver, CO, Andrew of Royal Oak, MI, and Kyle (Jessica) of Parma, MI. Lawrence (Linda) Heins and their children, Patrick (Kate)of Noblesville, IN., and Kristyn (Kyle) of Liberty Hill, TX.  Susan Phillips and her children, Josh (Megan) and Lisa of Owosso, MI.  Thomas (Lisa) Heins and his children, Rory (Brett) of Fredricksburg, VA. and Jillian of Pasadena MD.  Patricia Heins and her children, Delaney (Joe) Oleniczak of Free Soil, MI., and Madigan Bachman of Grand Rapids, MI. Christopher Heins of Monroe, NY.  Matthew(Judy) Heins and his daughter Grayson and their son Patrick Heins of Jackson, MI.  Great Grandchildren: McKenna, Tucker, Emma, Barrett, JoAnna, Lillian, Mena, Reed, Remy, and Henry. And her cherished lifelong friends John and Anita O'Neill.

Thank you to all the friends, well-wishers and neighbors who reached out during the last few months. Ellen was so grateful for the kindness shown to her.

Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Falling Waters Trail (Falling Waters Trail, Jackson County Parks, 128 W. Ganson St., 49201) or Brad's Lunch Bunch (Brad's Lunch Bunch c/o, Bond & Co., 113 W. Michigan Ave., Suite 301, 49201).

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family owned for 131 years