Lois Heiter

Dates

Obituary

Lois Heiter, 95, of Mitchell, SD, passed away peacefully Monday, May 13, 2024, at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 PM Saturday, May 18, at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Church in Alexandria, SD, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Lois Joan Heiter was born on January 29, 1929, the third oldest of five children to Russell and Norene (Dixon) Robertson of Alexandria SD. She grew up on a farm near Alexandria, where she was a cheerleader, Homecoming Queen, worked as a waitress, and graduated from Alexandria High School in 1946.

Lois was united in marriage to Merle Heiter on April 19, 1948, in Alexandria SD at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and to this union they had four children. They farmed south of Alexandria. Lois enjoyed being a homemaker, but when the youngest was in school she began to work in Alexandria at the Court House, ASCS Office and Farmer’s Union Coop. They also owned “Merle’s Bar” where Lois also worked. They started and sponsored the baseball team, The Alexandria Angels, which Lois was very proud of. After retirement, Lois decided to open a women’s clothing shop in the mall, called Top Ten which she ran until she needed to care for Merle when he became ill. They also traveled to Germany, France, Alaska and many other US states. Lois was very social and loved being around people, and especially loved doting on her grandchildren. Lois lived in Mitchell for the past 37 years. Until the age of 92, Lois was still bowling on the Tuesday morning Senior League which brought her much joy. She loved cooking, baking, putting puzzles together, crossword puzzles, dancing, and enjoyed visiting with family and friends. She was a great friend to many. Lois moved to Edgewood Memory Care in 2022 and later to Firesteel Memory Care in 2023.

Grateful for having shared her life are her three sons, Robert (Butch) Heiter of Glendive, MT, Roger Heiter of Mitchell, SD, and Ronald (Kim) Heiter of Lewisville, NC; daughter, Diane (Bryan) Slaba of Mitchell, SD; five grandchildren: Kelsey (Neil) Allerton, Jeremy (Kelli) Haiar, Angie Haiar, Jessica (Chris) Lopez, and Delaney Slaba (Matt Metzinger); 13 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a special friend, Kathy Wagner.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Merle in 1991; parents; siblings: Robert (Florence), Paul (Lenore), Clyde, and Vivian; granddaughter, Tandy Eaton; brother-in-law, Clarence (Sonny) Heiter; and sister-in-law, Rose (Robert) Wagner.

Lois’s family is grateful for the wonderful care she received at Edgewood Memory Care, Firesteel Memory Care, and Avera Hospice Staff which were exceptionally caring and supportive during this difficult time.

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