Obituaries

Bonnie Evelyn Heiple

Photo of Bonnie Evelyn Heiple
Bonnie Evelyn Heiple, the rock and guiding light of our family died at the Willard Walker Hospice Home on February 25, 2015. Bonnie, the daughter of Ira O. and Anna Jewel Tillman, was born on July 8th 1924 in Baxter County Missouri. Bonnie graduated from Fordland Missouri High School and attended college in Springfield Missouri, before working at O'Reilly Hospital where she met the love of her life Lt. Loren Heiple. The couple was married April 20th, 1944 at the O'Reilly Chapel. The couple moved around pursuing education and training before settling in 1950 in Fayetteville, AR. where they would start a family, join the First United Presbyterian Church and put down roots in the community and the University as Loren was appointed Head of the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Arkansas. While Loren's career was fruitful and demanding, Bonnie stood comfortably in the role of the family matriarch, lovingly and dutifully raising two children, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Her honest compassion stands not only in our memories, but acts as a beacon of inspiration and motivation for all those she has touched. She is survived by her son, Tim, and wife Marty Heiple, daughter, Lynne, and husband Bob Hill, grandchildren, Drew, and wife Ashley Heiple, Justin Cope and Tina Archer, Emil Heiple, Lindsey, and husband Morece Ford, Kyle, and wife Michelle Cope, as well as great-grandchildren Austin and Emerson Claire Cope, Cooper, Hayden, and Ellis Ann Heiple, Maddox and Tillmyn Ford, and Grayson and Hudson Cope. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Hazel Underwood and husband Dr. Loren Heiple. Special thanks and praise goes to her supportive neighbors on Cydnee Street and the Willard Walker Hospice Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Willard Walker Hospice Home at 325 E. Longview St., Fayetteville, Ark. 72703 or Washington County Extension Home Furnishers at 2159 Juneway Terrace, Fayetteville, Ark. 72703. Services will be on Saturday, February 28 at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Springdale. The family will meet guests immediately following the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home of Fayetteville. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.nelsonberna.com.

Published February 27, 2015

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