LaDonna Faith Heffner (Stepelton/Slates)

In Loving Memory of LaDonna Faith Heffner

LaDonna Faith Heffner, age 91, of Kissimmee, FL, joined our dear Lord on September 5th, 2025 at 6:19pm at HCA Osceloa Hospital in Kissimmee, FL. Born April 17, 1934 at 3:10am in Toledo, Ohio to Clyde Elsworth Stepelton and Ruth Lenore Gerhart. LaDonna was married to Russell Evert Slates I on January 30, 1953 and then Richard Alvin Heffner II on December 19th, 1975. LaDonna leaves a long legacy with 6 children, 12 Grandchildren, 32 Great-Grandchildren and 18 Great-Great Grandchildren upon her passing.

LaDonna Faith Heffner, a deeply spiritual and fiercely independent soul, passed from this world leaving behind a legacy of compassion, wisdom, and unwavering strength. Daughter of a devoted minister of the Church of God, LaDonna's early life was rooted in faith, a foundation that would evolve into a lifelong journey of spiritual exploration and healing.

LaDonna dedicated her professional life to serving others, working as a Home Healthcare Manager where her nurturing heart and keen intuition made her a source of comfort to many. She was the beloved wife of a TMX truck driver and later, a race horse trainer-roles that brought unique adventures and perspectives into her life.

A proud medicine woman and spiritual teacher, LaDonna practiced psychic readings and guided countless individuals on their paths with insight and love. She often described herself as "a jack of all trades and master of none," yet her knowledge was vast and her curiosity for life never-ending. "Life is an ever bending road-it never ends," she would say. "I have much to do and learn. Life is an exciting mystery that draws me onward with the need to find the answers."

With a heart attuned to nature and the Earth, LaDonna instilled in her children the importance of natural healing and a sacred connection to Mother Earth. She taught them the uses of herbs and the old ways of healing, encouraging respect for the Earth's gifts. Her deep respect for her indigenous culture led her to help Native tribes sell their handcrafted goods, honoring her Native traditions and craftsmanship.

Strong-willed, generous, and forever curious, LaDonna lived with intention and heart. Her life was a tapestry of service, spirit, and the relentless pursuit of truth. She walks now among the ancestors, her spirit forever guiding those she loved.

She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Please send memorial gifts to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at: https://www.stjude.org/donate/

Survived by:

Brother: Gilbert Stepelton

Daughters: Diane Slates, Deb Binkley and Brenda Fout.

Grandchildren: Brandy (David) Malone; Jenny Chilcoat; David (Rebecca) Slates; Rachel (Chris) Spanos; Crystal (Jason) Boroff; Robbie (Aimee) Albright; Steve E. Robey; Emily (Lon) Zeigler; Jonathan J. Slates Sr.; Thomas Slates; Jake Slates and Larissa Slates

Great-Grandchildren: Lindsey Stemen, Gavin Carthew, Derrick Kampf, Brittany Kampf, Kathy Kampf, Paige (Cody) Sill, Samantha Dunlap, Micheal Swallow, Eathen Slates, Dakota Slates, Lizzie (Joe) McCormick, Casey (Jason) Devening, Brandon Albright, Brian Albright, Celsea (Chance) Ebel, Caylee Boroff, Carli Boroff, Cylee Boroff, Arber Hofacker, James Albright, Braxton Robey, Chloe Morefield, Roran Franer, Gabriella Thomas, Jaeleigh McKinnon, Aiyana McKinnon, Jonathan J Slates II, Devyn Fry, Garrett Fry, Liam Fry.

Great-Great Grandchildren: Gypsy Henry, Levity Goodson, Charli Sill, Zuri Sill, Hayden Temple, Mercedes Dunlap, Luna Jeffries-Slates, Sylas Lee, Nevaeh Durden, Xavier Durden, Wyatt Durden, Paisley Devening, Dean Ebel, Anika Mault, Ellieana Wannamacher, Quinleigh Bea Wannamacher, and Harper Moore,

LaDonna was predeceased by:

Parents: Clyde E. Stepelton, Father and Ruth L. Gerhart, Mother

Siblings: Lloyd C. Stepelton,Brother; Glenn E. Stepelton Brother, Howard D. Stepelton, Brother; Charlene Stepelton, Sister, Charlotte Stepelton, Sister; and Elaine J. Stepelton, Sister.

Spouses: Leland S. Russell, Husband; Russell E. Slates I, Husband; Richard A. Heffner II, Husband;

Children: Lee A. Russell, Son, Betty B.Robey, Daughter; Russell E.Slates III, Son; Russell "Junie" Edward Slates II, Stepson;

Great-Grandsons: Dewayne Sheets, and David A Sheets Jr,

Great-Great Grandson: Colton Sheefel

LaDonna Faith Heffner was a woman of many passions, and her hobbies reflected her deep curiosity about both the spiritual and physical worlds. She loved reading, often immersing herself in books that fed her soul and mind. A gifted astrologer, LaDonna found great joy in creating detailed astrology charts-birth charts, transits, and horary charts alike-using the stars as a tool to help others find clarity and purpose. She cherished attending pow-wows, where she felt a deep connection to the heartbeat of indigenous traditions, and she was rarely without the comforting twang of country music playing in the background. Whether cheering at the horse races or planning her next adventure, LaDonna had a zest for life and travel that carried her to many places, always searching, always learning, always growing.