CONTINENTAL – Rachel Ann (Shafer) Heeter, 84 of Continental died 9:20 p.m., Friday, December 15, 2023 at her residence. She was born May 8, 1939 in Continental to the late Oren Lewis and Mildred Lenore (Shafer) Shafer. On November 16, 1958, she married Joseph M Heeter and he survives in Continental.
Other survivors include four children: Kristine Kelly (Dennis) Webken of Kalida, Joseph Daniel (Michele) Heeter of Huger, SC, David (Stacy) Heeter of Ellenton, FL and Kathleen Rae Heeter of Continental; 8 grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren and 8 step great-grandchildren; a sister, Carolyn Cross of Continental; and a brother-in-law, Ronald Halbgewoks of Continental.
She was also preceded in death by a step-grandson, Ethan; a sister, Alice Joan Halbgewoks; and a brother-in-law, Robert Cross.
Rachel was a world traveler with her husband as they established homes in three states and one foreign country before returning to Continental. In her youth, she farmed alongside her dad and loved singing in the Continental High school ensemble. She graduated from Fredrick’s Beauty School (now the Ohio State Beauty Academy) in Lima OH as a licensed cosmetologist working in Defiance Ohio until her marriage to Joe. Over the years, she held several positions outside of the home (Girl Scout Leader, restaurant cook, preschool teacher, and retail salesperson), but her family was always her first priority. Rachel attended The Ohio State University in Lima where she studied English Literature, studied pencil drawing and watercolor arts, was a graduate of the Lay Ministry Program of the Toledo Diocese and was an associate member of the Sisters of Saint Francis Holy Order of Tiffin. Over the years, her artistic talents were realized through cake decorating, ceramics, needlework and home decorating. She had an infectious sometimes impish grin, beautiful smile, great sense of humor and loved to travel and spent many fall trips in the Outer banks, NC and Cambridge Maryland to visit family and friends.
Memorial donations may be made to Bridge Hospice (Blanchard Valley Hospital, 1900 South Main Street, Findlay, OH 45840) or Sisters of Saint Francis (Mission Advancement Office, 200 St. Francis Avenue, Tiffin, OH 44883)
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa.
Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com
