Mary Heaivilin
June 17, 2018
Mary Ruth Heaivilin, 84, passed away June 17, 2018, at her home in Des Moines. She was born March 16, 1934, in Grinnell, Iowa, to Rollin and Frances Nipper.
Mary was known by everyone as “Nan” and loved reading, baking (monkey bread, meatballs, Anacini and chocolate cherry cake were her specialty), caring for her tomatoes, green peppers and cucumber garden, her special flower area in the front of her house and corner Lily patch. She enjoyed watching the hummingbirds (Emerald and Bandit) and took great care of the neighborhood squirrels - going through 4 loaves of bread and a family size pack of Oreos each week for them. The squirrels were “trained” to come up to the door and knock and look in if she didn’t have food out in time, by her beloved dog Lucy.
Nan loved spending time with her family and pets (especially Ozzie), but her absolute greatest joy was just being with her “great grands.” She enjoyed her 4 Girls more than anyone will ever know. She would do and get them “anything they wanted” and her greatest smiles came when she was with them. From decorating and eating gingerbread houses to watching them swim, color or just play, Nan would listen to them and especially loved to hear their “belly/deep gut laughs.” Nan cherished Friday night card games, hearing who the reigning Uno Champ was and teaching/playing Solitaire on her Nook with Gi. She always had Mentos (or “momentos” as she called them), lifesavers, gum and Kleenex tucked away somewhere.
Nan was kind, caring, giving and appreciated anyone that could take a joke and she could razz. She was sincere, oh so sassy and a dear friend who looked out for everyone no matter what. We love you so so much, always and forever!!
Mary is survived by her daughter, Tootie (Pete) Vitiritto; brother, Rex Nipper; grandchildren, Ryan (Libby) Vitiritto and Ashley (Josh) Martz; 4 great-grandchildren, Gianna and Ava Vitiritto, Maci and Kyla Martz; as well as nieces, nephews, other loving family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Daryl Nipper and Ernest Nipper; and her sister, Rosemonde Rodgers.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 23, 2018, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines, with visitation one hour prior to service time.
Condolences may be expressed online at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Scott and Chris LaPree
06/19/2018
What a fabulous person. We've known Mary for about 40 years, and enjoyed every second we spent with her. Although we hadn't talked in a year or two, we've thought of her often, and smile every time we do. She will be sorely missed by everyone that knew her, I'm sure. God bless her beautiful soul.
Chris and Scott
nancy hoar
06/19/2018
My prayers go out to mary ruth's family and friends. She was such a sweet lady and I liked her for her wit and beauty. She told it like it was and never held back the truth. She was someone to be admired. Rest in peace mary ruth. You will be missed.
Rich Gordley
06/19/2018
Good neighbors are hard to come by. Mary was the best. She was always eager to be helpful and seemed to always have a word of encouragement or care. I'm going to miss her. My deepest sympathy to Mary's family.