Marla Ann Heeren

Marla Ann (Masters) Heeren was born in Los Angeles and met and married Bud Heeren when they were both students at University of California, Riverside in the early '60s. With a shared zest for spontaneous adventure, Bud and Marla moved their young family to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where Bud worked on his graduate degree. After several trips back and forth, they settled in Curtis for 13 years, long enough to establish lifelong friendships, provide their oldest three children with a storybook childhood and welcome the fourth and final baby right before moving back to Prather, California, to be closer to their families. Marla was a beloved teacher at Curtis Elementary School, sewed, crocheted, and enjoyed lifeguarding at the Curtis Pool, playing bridge with friends, playing doubles tennis with Bud, attending the Congregational Church and countless other social activities. Bud and Marla lived in Prather for 35 years. Bud taught math at Sierra High and Marla taught at Auberry Elementary, then helped to open Foothill Middle School in 1993. In the Sierra foothills, Marla enjoyed learning to quilt, water aerobics, volunteering at Valley Children's Hospital and attending her kids' sporting events. In 1996, Marla miraculously survived a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis. In 2019, Bud and Marla decided to move closer to two of their kids in San Diego County. Marla spent her last four years steeped in love and appreciation with children and grandchildren all around. She peacefully passed from this life with Bud, her four children and several grandchildren at her side. Throughout her 40-year teaching career and beyond, Marla was known for her unquenchable thirst for reading and a unique sweetness noted by friends and family, new and old. Marla is survived by her husband of 60 years, Bud Heeren; siblings, Bill (JoAnne) Masters and David (Linda) Masters; her children, Cinda (Mike), Laura (Tim), Jon (Joori) and David (Nikki); and eleven grandchildren. In memory of Marla, please donate your favorite children's book to your local Children's Hospital or library. Marla's family will host a celebration of her life on Feb. 18, at 3635 Highland Drive, Carlsbad, California. All are welcome to join.