Heulah Roseland Dickey Kiser left this life on Sunday, October 20, 2013, not long after celebrating her 102nd birthday. Born on October 3, 1911, she enjoyed her youth on a farm near Chatham, Illinois, with parents Judith and William Dickey, seven sisters, and two brothers. All have preceded her in death except for Ruth Branham of Springfield, Illinois, her youngest sister.
Heulah attended Ball Township High School, graduating in 1929. She entered the nursing program at Springfield Memorial Hospital and earned her RN degree in 1933. She worked mainly as a private nurse and in 1937 married John Elerick Kiser of Springfield who was an engineering student at the School of Mines at Rolla, Missouri. They moved to Bonne Terre, Missouri when he was employed by St. Joseph Lead Company. It was in this small town south of St. Louis where they spent their married lives and raised two daughters.
In 1942, Suzanne was born and, in 1946, Sally Jane. Suzanne Kiser Weakly lives in Story, WY, and Jane resides in Sacramento, CA. Heulah had three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren whom she adored.
During her years as a wife and mother, Heulah, who was nicknamed "Dickey", involved herself with her girls' activities, as well as civic and political activities. She was active in PTA, led a Girl Scout troop, and taught sewing in 4-H. She taught Sunday School at the First Congregational Church in Bonne Terre and worked in the ladies' Missionary Society. She was a precinct committeewoman for the Republican Party for many years. She was an elementary school nurse for a short time, but, for the most part, devoted her life to her home, family, and community.
Dickey lost John at age 70 but continued to live independently in their Victorian home in Bonne Terre until her mid 90's. She enjoyed world travel with friends, golfed at a country club nearby, worked with a local historical restoration group, and gardened, her favorite hobby.
After leaving her Bonne Terre home, Dickey lived in Story, Wyoming for a few years, then two years at a retirement home in Sacramento, then two more at Sugarland Ridge in Sheridan. She lived her final two years at Westview Health Care Center. Dickey was well liked wherever she lived and deeply loved by her family. She'll be greatly missed.
Memorial gifts can be sent to the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter at 84 E. Ridge Rd. in Sheridan or to the Bonne Terre Memorial Library, 5 SW Main in Bonne Terre, MO, 63628.
A memorial celebration will be held later in Bonne Terre where she spent most of her life. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.