Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Stella Heffington
FUNERAL HOME
405 Center St
Dowagiac, Michigan
Stella Heffington Obituary
Stella Yvonne (O'Keefe) Heffington, age 90, the beloved matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully at home on Monday morning, November 3, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was a proud member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.
Stella began her working life as a nurse's aide before devoting herself fully to her family as a homemaker and stay-at-home mother to her nine children after marrying the love of her life, Junior Lee Heffington.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Junior Lee Heffington; her daughters, Marcia Brown and Susan Barry; and her grandson, Jeremy Heffington.
Stella is survived by her faithful companion, her dog Stitch; her children, Timothy Heffington, Karen Spicher, Ronald Heffington, Patti (Brad) Hacker, Cindy Black, Shari Carroll, and Daniel Heffington; and her many cherished grandchildren: Amanda (Matt) Cummins, Joe Spicher, Matt Spicher, Ryan Spicher, Jasmine Fuller, Michael Fuller Jr, Madisyn Fuller, Angel (Mike) Woodard, Edward (Melissa) Brown, Eric Brown, Heather (Hank) Mays, Ceaiara Heffington, Anthony Heffington, Megan Heffington, Ronald Heffington Jr., Christopher Hacker, Brandy Nelson, Amy Moore, Steven Black, and Isiah Heffington. She also leaves behind several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She is further survived by her siblings, Margaret Parker, Ernie Shoemaker, Hal Weatherwax, Tim (Sandra) Wallin, Theresa Barber, Eva Hoekstra, Lee Falk, Angela Morton and Marie Cuendet.
Stella will be remembered for her fiery spirit, unwavering love, and forgiving heart. She was as stubborn as she was strong, and there was never a stray animal she didn't take in or care for. Her kindness, humor, and fierce devotion to her family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Stella's family will be celebrating her life privately. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Dowagiac. Arrangements were entrusted to Clark Chapel - Starks Family Funeral Homes, Dowagiac, MI. To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit Stella's personalized webpage at www.clarkch.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stella Heffington
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Stella Heffington's name
Memorial Events
for Stella Heffington
Funeral services provided by:
Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Clark Chapel - Dowagiac405 Center St, Dowagiac, MI 49047
How to support Stella's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Stella Heffington's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
